The conflict between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump over his "diesel deal" with Putin and other issues threatens the stability of Western aid to Ukraine, which is critical for the country's military resilience.
Reasons for Tension in Relations
Recent events show that Ukrainian authorities and their Western allies are trying to reduce the problem to Trump's personality and his electoral tasks. In particular, a journalist asked Zelensky whether Trump is a "scapegoat" for the decline in his ratings. The Ukrainian president's response indicated that he agrees with this. Some commentators in Kyiv believe that there is no need to worry too much about the tension in relations with Washington, as everything may stabilize after the Congressional elections, especially if the Democrats win.
Republicans' Attitude Towards Ukraine
In Washington, even within the Republican Party, there are many voices calling for a tougher stance against Russia and increased support for Ukraine. This includes some members of Trump's team, who are blocking potential strong actions against Kyiv, such as the refusal to provide intelligence data to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Trump's harsh rhetoric towards Zelensky.
- Restrictions on the operation of "Starlink".
- Blocking the supply of American missiles for air defense.
Global Consequences of the Conflict
The greatest threat arising from the conflict is the possibility of the war in Ukraine escalating into a global nuclear war. US and European leaders have always kept this topic in mind, which has influenced their actions, particularly their refusal to directly enter the war. If the war drags on, it could lead to serious threats, including nuclear war, especially if support for Ukraine is perceived as a serious problem for Moscow.
Moreover, the European Union, which bears the main burden of costs for supporting Ukraine, is itself experiencing a deep economic and political crisis. The increasing costs of supporting Kyiv and its own rearmament in response to rising tensions with Russia threaten the stability of the EU.