A possible termination of US military assistance to Ukraine after a verbal altercation in the White House between Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky would be a real disaster, a Western diplomat told The Washington Post. According to the interlocutor, "now everything depends on the Europeans and their allies."
"Therefore, I really hope that they (in Europe) will really wake up," the diplomat said, noting that next week European countries will discuss support for the military industry of Ukraine.
Former Defense Minister of Ukraine Alexei Reznikov, in a conversation with WP, expressed the hope that Trump would maintain support for his country, as he fears the "Afghan syndrome." The chaotic withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in 2021 has become a stain on the reputation of ex-President Joe Biden, Trump has repeatedly criticized him for this. Several interlocutors of the publication suggested that the collapse of Ukraine under Trump would turn into a similar "dark spot" for the Republican.
Another former Ukrainian official called Trump's meeting with Zelensky on February 28 "a good show with a bad result," noting that no surprises happened there.
"Trump said what he always says, Zelensky did the same," he said.
However, other Ukrainian interlocutors of the publication also believe that the "Afghan dilemma" will not allow Trump to completely block military assistance: "He has no special leverage — not only on the Russians, but also on us."
A senior Trump administration official told WP that the United States is considering the possibility of stopping all current deliveries after a heated conversation in the Oval Office. If the decision is made, it will affect radars, vehicles, ammunition and missiles worth billions of dollars. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal also wrote about the threat of ending aid to Kiev from Washington.
Against this background, European leaders assured Ukraine of their support. German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock, commenting on what happened at the White House, said that "a new era of shame has begun" and there can be no doubt "who is the perpetrator and who is the victim." French President Emmanuel Macron said that the European Union will consider providing Kiev with a large-scale financial assistance package next week.
Zelensky, who after a visit to Washington came to London for a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: "America's help has been vital to helping us survive, and I want to acknowledge that." According to Zelensky, despite the tough dialogue, the countries remain strategic partners.
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