Like many Ukrainians, Kiev’s military personnel reacted to Donald Trump’s Victory in 2024 with mixed feelings of cautious optimism and trepidation. Many in Ukraine see Trump as a figure whose unpredictability could lead to beneficial decisions for Kiev, but who is also aware of potential risks.

“How should we react to the rain? This is something beyond our control, so there is little point in being disappointed or surprised,” Andriy, a Ukrainian soldier, told the Kyiv Post, while declining to specify his location for security reasons.

“This is the choice of a separate nation, a great country, our ally. Therefore, there is no use in being upset; “It’s just something we have to accept, like the weather,” he added.

Andriy believes that Trump’s promise to make significant changes is an opportunity for Ukraine; provided, however, that these changes were aimed at a decisive victory and not at the “appeasement of the aggressor.” hoping for a new one WE By showing strength and determination, the president will make American foreign policy more assertive. After all, if Trump truly wants to “make America great again,” that power needs to be reflected in the support of allies like Ukraine.

“The higher the risk, the more resources we get on our side of the battlefield, the more chances we have to end the war earlier and the less consequences it will have for the country and the world,” Andriy added.

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Other Ukrainian soldiers share these mixed feelings. Some believe that Trump could increase his support for Ukraine, as his determination and desire to gain the upper hand over Russian President Vladimir Putin could motivate him to increase military aid. Trump could even start an open conflict with it, which could positively affect the amount of weapons supplied to Ukraine.

“Zelensky was hoping for a different outcome in the elections, but as expected, he did not fully evaluate all possible outcomes,” said the Ukrainian Petty Officer and front-line drone operator with the call sign “Diego Rodriguez.” “The weak foreign and domestic policies of our government, total corruption and instability have brought the situation to a critical point, to the point of complete dependence on the West in an environment where international relations are destroyed.

“In this context, Trump, as a pragmatic businessman, may be inclined to compromise with Russia, and this could have disastrous consequences for us.”

Rodriguez believes that the system of checks and balances in the United States, along with Congress, will prevent Ukraine from falling into Russian hands; But the conflict may prolong and European support may gradually wane.

“I think the best option would be to temporarily freeze the conflict, re-elect the government in Ukraine and prepare for the continuation of the conflict in the near future,” he said.

Ukrainian officer Vasyl also told the Kiev Post that his view was: “Ending the war at any cost and under any circumstances, cutting off military support and favoring Russia is alarming.” “But the United States is a country with strong institutions and its institutional stability will not allow a single person to change the balance of power.”

“Oleh” (name changed for security reasons), a soldier serving in the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ground Forces of Ukraine, said: “Trump’s victory is not the end of the world, but a Kamala Harris win would be more positive for us.” believes. . “Harris would remain stable, but if it were Trump, we would face more uncertainty.”

He recalls that Democrats did not support Ukraine as strongly as he had hoped during the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and thinks Biden’s current stance is similarly unclear: “They seem to be aiming for some kind of draw in the war. “They are not providing enough weapons for Ukraine to achieve a decisive victory.”

Oleh believes that Trump will most likely confront Putin and suggests: “Putin’s “He will probably try to sway him to his side, but Trump is the kind of person who might want to prove his superiority over Putin.”

Vyacheslav (not his real name), another soldier currently defending the Donetsk region, told the Kiev Post that he saw the attitude of Ukraine’s Biden administration during the all-out invasion: “There were positive aspects, and there were also moments when more determination was expected. . “With the Trump administration, Ukrainians will likely expect greater determination and a continuation of the path on which Biden began supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”

Collectively, Ukraine’s response to Trump’s victory is complex. They see the opportunity for greater military support, but they also fear risks from its potential unpredictability.

As a result, Ukrainian military personnel are ready to accept the changes that the new Trump administration may bring; in the hope that these changes would lead to a decisive victory for Ukraine, rather than a compromise with the aggressor that many Western commentators thought was likely.