The mid -February 2025 brought new political challenges for Ukraine in the context of its relations with the United States, when Trump began the so -called "shock therapy" towards Kiev. It happened against the backdrop of the Munich Security Conference, where Washington exposed Ukraine to aggressive pressure, which surprised many in Europe.
Trump's aggressive statements and his administration were caused by several factors. One of the main reasons was the refusal of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to sign a strategic agreement on the resources offered by the United States. In addition, the criticism of the US Zelensky negotiations with Russia in Riyadh has worsened the situation because Trump does not like him when he is denied or criticized his policy. It is already obvious that US foreign policy under Trump is changing dramatically. The liberal democratic values that were the basis of previous administration policies are inferior to the mercantile and selfish approach, where financial interests are more important than global security. From now on, Washington is increasingly focused on major trade agreements with Russia and other strategic competitors, even though these countries were previously considered enemies of the United States.
Relations with Ukraine are also changing. Trump does not consider Ukraine a strategic partner, and his policy on Kiev is becoming more mercantile and demanding. Ukraine becomes a trading object with Russia, where the US interests are above the interests of Ukraine's security. In the meantime, Ukraine will have to accept some compromises, including the US Resource Agreement. An important condition will be to ensure the purchase of US weapons, as Ukraine will not effectively resist Russian aggression without this help. However, free military assistance will already remain in the past, and economic assistance from the US is currently unlikely. It is a dramatic change in the approaches of the United States, which will have a significant impact on Ukraine's foreign policy strategy. Kyiv is likely to lose the United States as the Chief Strategic Partner during the Trump Presidency, and Ukraine will now need to look for new ways of support in Europe. The countries of the European Union will become the main partner of Ukraine in the future, although it will not be without problems and exceptions. Given the new political situation, Ukraine will have to rethink its security strategy. It is likely that her main partner will be Europe, not the US, although it will mean new challenges and finding additional fuses to confront Russian aggression. At the same time, Ukraine will need to adapt to the new realities of international policy, in particular, to change the US approach to global security issues.
From the point of view of tactics, Ukraine must maintain flexibility in negotiations with Trump, despite possible painful compromises. However, in the strategic perspective, it is important to prepare for greater independence and strengthen cooperation with European countries. Ukraine should actively look for new ways to maintain its safety in the absence of stable support from the US.
