As Americans go to the polls Tuesday, Ukrainians are nervously watching, worried about the future of U.S. support in their war against Russia, The Washington Times reported.
Ukrainians are glued to television screens and mobile devices, anticipating results that could redefine their country's defense and survival.
With Russian forces pushing into Ukrainian territory, many here view this U.S. election as a referendum on Ukraine's future as an independent nation. But a sense of resignation prevails, with Ukrainians feeling powerless over a decision that will deeply affect their lives.
"We just don't have enough men to hold the defense," lamented Vitaliy Radetskyi, a 47-year-old working at Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. "If it's Trump, it's even worse — he's buddies with Putin."
Two distinct U.S. paths loom for Ukraine, each stirring mixed emotions.
Since the Russian invasion in 2022, the Biden-Harris administration has pledged steady support, sending billions in aid. However, frustration has mounted over the slow and sometimes limited delivery of weapons and resources.
Vice President Kamala Harris, running as the Democrat nominee, is seen as the "least bad" option by many Ukrainians, who worry about the prospect of an administration that may continue what they see as a measured and cautious approach to military support.
The Republican contender, former President Donald Trump, has criticized extensive aid to Ukraine, suggesting that the war could have been avoided if Ukraine had "given up a little bit" to appease Moscow. Trump has promised to end the conflict but has not provided details on how he would achieve this goal.
Many Ukrainians fear that his return to office would signal a rapid shift in U.S. foreign policy, possibly leading to reduced support. His running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, has also raised concerns by expressing disinterest in Ukraine's fate, suggesting a U.S. pivot away from the conflict.
"I feel like everything is lost," said Yevhen, a 28-year-old Ukrainian officer recently stationed in Donetsk. "I don't care much about American politics, and I have the feeling that no matter who wins there won't be any difference."
Others echo this resignation on the front lines. Military volunteers and defense personnel share a common view that recent support from the U.S. has been more rhetorical than practical.
While meeting with both U.S. candidates during a recent trip, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carefully avoided public endorsements, a sign of Kyiv's cautious approach to maintaining relations with its most critical ally. Yet, Zelenskyy recently voiced frustrations over delayed U.S. aid and a muted Western response to increased Russian and North Korean forces near Ukraine's borders.
Many Ukrainians fear that the West's commitment to their struggle is wavering. "The support is mostly theoretical and rhetorical, and that really is not helpful in any way," said Kevin, a Kyiv resident.
For some, the election underscores a harsher reality — that Ukraine may need to rely more heavily on its own resources and resilience. "Our fate depends only on ourselves," added Radetskyi, who believes the U.S. has already "abandoned" Ukraine in its time of need.
With limited resources and growing battlefield challenges, the question remains whether Ukraine can withstand the pressure, regardless of the outcome of the U.S. election.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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