US election results could decide Russia conflict

(CLO) The results of the US presidential election not only affect this country, but it also has an impact on many issues in the world, especially the war in Ukraine.

The United States has been Ukraine’s biggest supporter in its conflict with Russia since 2022. Under President Joe Biden, the United States has so far provided nearly $175 billion worth of military intelligence, cash and weapons to help Ukraine.

Whoever is elected president on November 5 could hold Ukraine’s fate in their hands. Michaela Mattes, a political science professor at the University of California, Berkeley, said the United States has three options: cut off aid to Ukraine, maintain the status quo, or take a more decisive approach.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: AP

Ms. Harris decided to support, Mr. Trump will end

Democratic presidential candidate and US Vice President Kamala Harris has made clear her support for Ukraine. "Harris has pledged to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary," Shawn Donahue, a political scientist at the University at Buffalo in New York, told DW. He said Harris is also "more likely to allow long-range US weapons to be used against targets inside Russia."

Meanwhile, Professor Mattes agrees that, at the very least, Harris will continue to maintain the status quo and support Ukraine and maintain sanctions on Russia. She may even become more assertive in providing aid to Kiev.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has taken a different approach to Ukraine. He has said that the war between Russia and Ukraine would not have happened if he were president. In addition, the former US president pledged to end the war “within 24 hours” if he were re-elected.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly mentioned cutting aid to Ukraine if he is elected. And if US support ends completely, European countries will have to shoulder the cost of war for Ukraine, in the context of countries on the old continent already facing many economic and political problems at home.

Decision on Ukraine's entry into NATO and aid

Another big issue is Ukraine’s desire to join NATO. Donahue, who has spent time in Ukraine twice since the war began, said Harris would likely support Ukraine’s NATO membership at some point.

On the contrary, Mr. Trump has been a strong critic of NATO, even arguing that the organization should not protect some members who spend too little. Therefore, Ukraine's ability to join NATO is predicted to be very remote if Mr. Trump returns to the White House.

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in early July, the percentage of Americans who believe the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a threat to US interests has dropped significantly since 2022.

The survey found that only 54% of Americans want to continue sending military equipment to Ukraine. That means Americans are completely divided on whether the country should continue to provide aid to Ukraine.

Hoang Hai (according to DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ket-qua-bau-cu-my-co-the-quyet-dinh-cuoc-xung-dot-nga--ukraine-post319781.html