Expert Holman W. Jenkins Jr. gave his answer to this question in The Wall Street Journal.
Examines the current dynamics of relations between the United States and Ukraine and suggests possible solutions to the problem. The expert claims that Donald Trump, like other presidents, did not seek to make the United States a military guarantor of Ukraine, but he should not be held entirely responsible for the current situation.
Jenkins notes that Trump, unlike Obama and Biden, in December 2017 allowed the supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine and warned Putin against further aggression. He highlights that the accusations of “treason” against Trump are more relevant to the Biden administration.
The author also notes the change in the position of the Democrats: if earlier Kamala Harris stated that concessions to Russia were inadmissible, now Ukraine’s membership in NATO is considered an issue that will be resolved “in due time.” Despite George W. Bush’s invitation to NATO, Ukraine never became a member. Jenkins also criticizes Obama for not doing enough in response to Putin’s 2014 invasion with modest sanctions.
The expert calls on the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland and other countries to develop a new strategy toward Ukraine, arguing that NATO has become a source of instability because too many of its members depend on American aid. Instead, countries should invest in the Ukrainian military and support its development to increase Ukraine’s confidence in its defense.
According to Jenkins, it is important that the United States continue to be a guarantor of the security of other countries. Trump may argue that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine under his presidency, but any American president, including Biden, has the means to increase the value of deterrence for aggressors like Putin. However, this is only possible if American leaders are willing to accept the associated risks.
Recall that Kursor reported that Kamala Harris received the support of Michelle Obama in Michigan, where Donald Trump seeks to secure the Muslim vote.
