**Trump and Vance Win US Election, What Does It Mean for Europe and Ukraine?**
Former US President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance have won the 2024 US presidential election. This means a new team will take over the White House, but what does it mean for European countries and Ukraine?
European leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Mark Rutte, and Volodymyr Zelensky quickly congratulated Trump on his win. But they are worried about his past views on NATO and Ukraine.
**Trump’s Past Views Raise Concerns**
In the past, Trump has called NATO “obsolete” and said the US shouldn’t be the world’s police force. He also withdrew American soldiers from Europe and opposed expanding US military presence there. Trump even considered pulling out of NATO altogether.
When it comes to Ukraine, Trump accused them of interfering in the 2016 US election, which was later proven false. In 2019, he withheld defense aid to Ukraine and asked President Zelensky to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden’s family. This led to Trump’s impeachment.
**Trump and Vance Want Changes**
During his campaign, Trump repeated that NATO members must meet the 2% defense spending threshold or get no protection. He also said he would let Russia “do whatever they want” if a country doesn’t pay its bills.
J.D. Vance shares Trump’s views on NATO and Ukraine. He thinks European countries should handle their own security issues without US involvement. Vance has opposed every bill supporting Ukraine since Russia’s invasion and says the US should stop its aid.
**What Does This Mean for Europe and Ukraine?**
With Republicans in control of Congress, Trump and Vance will likely get support for their isolationist policies. But this could lead to friction between the White House, House, and Senate, especially if most Senate Republicans still support NATO and aid to Ukraine.
The Trump-Vance administration is expected to reduce US involvement in NATO and foreign conflicts. They want to work with Russia on a peace agreement that may require Ukraine to adopt neutrality and forego NATO membership. This means Europe and Ukraine may soon find themselves without US support, facing Russian aggression alone.
**Time Will Tell**
Only time will reveal whether European nations and Ukraine can strengthen their cooperation and resilience in the face of an uncertain future.