HomeWorld NewsWhat a Trump presidency could mean for Ukraine and Zelenskyy’s government
Krugman predicts a stark divide in Ukraine’s future based on the presidential victor. He believes that if Kamala Harris wins, U.S. support for Ukraine will likely continue, with attrition potentially bringing an end to Russia’s aggression. Conversely, a Trump victory could have dire consequences, as it may embolden Russia, leading to increased instability in Eastern Europe. Analysts share growing concerns that a Trump presidency could facilitate a more aggressive posture from Moscow, significantly impacting the region’s security.
As the U.S. presidential election approaches, the stakes for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression have reached an all-time high. With polls indicating a tightly contested race between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the outcome is poised to reshape global geopolitics, particularly in Eastern Europe.
Prominent economist and Nobel laureate Paul Krugman recently discussed the implications of the election, emphasising the crucial role international relations will play in shaping the next administration’s policies. He highlighted that the election outcome could significantly influence U.S. support for Ukraine, which has faced relentless attacks from Russia since 2022.
Krugman predicted stark contrasts in outcomes based on who secures the presidency. He suggested that if Harris wins, Ukraine would likely continue to receive substantial U.S. support. “If Harris wins, Ukraine will continue to receive support. It seems quite likely that in the end, sheer attrition will bring an end to the Russian war there,” he noted.
Conversely, he warned of dire consequences if Trump emerges victorious, stating, “If Trump wins, then Putin will be in Kyiv in a few months.” His comments reflect a growing concern among analysts that a Trump presidency could embolden Russia, further destabilising Eastern Europe.
In a recent discussion, Krugman also addressed the implications of the election for U.S.-Israel relations, noting that Israel’s actions could significantly influence American support. “Oh, boy. I mean, a lot depends on just how Israel conducts itself. Israel has a lot of support in the United States, but Netanyahu, not so much,” he remarked, reflecting on the delicate balance in Middle Eastern politics.
He further emphasised the potential for Israel’s stance to affect U.S. backing: “If Israel was willing to show some signs of being, you know, willing to relent a little bit on the awfulness of the war, then maybe the U.S. will back it. I don’t know. Ukraine’s fate depends on the election.”
The election’s outcome also comes amid significant economic developments. The Federal Reserve recently cut its key interest rates for the first time in over four years, a move that Fed Chair Jerome Powell described as necessary to sustain economic growth.
“The U.S. economy is in good shape, and the central bank wants to keep it there,” Powell stated in September. However, uncertainty looms regarding how each candidate’s policies could affect this trajectory.