Zelensky is facing a crucial choice after Trump's Hilfestopp for Ukraine

Zelensky is facing a crucial choice after Trump's Hilfestopp for Ukraine

kyiv, Ukraine-the suspension of military help is the most harmful step that the Trump administration can take to support the war efforts of Ukraine. The immediate practical consequences may be unclear, but the psychological effects for the Ukrainians are enormous and catastrophic.

The consequences of the aid break

The last delay of US military aid-caused by Trump-supporting Republicans in December 2023, when $ 60 billion was blocked for several months-had a devastating effect on the morale of the Ukrainian troops. After this delay, the momentum on the front changed from a mostly unsuccessful counter -strike from Ukraine to a defensive approach.

Information about the ammunition crisis

on Tuesday morning was Kyiv still Heavy decision and tried to present influence as less catastrophic. A consultant by President Wolodymyr Selenskyj, Mykhailo Podolyak, expressed: "First of all, it must be assessed which specific programs are set, especially since many are already in the final phase." A Ukrainian civil servant informed CNN that the stocks of critical artillery ammunition could run out of May or June after the aid break. This applies in particular to the Patriot air defense missiles that could end in a few weeks.

drones and air defense

The reactions of the front troops show how important drones (UAVS) are in the defense against Russian attacks, but also the decisive need for American air defense missiles. "Our weakness lies in the aircraft missiles-the Patriots," said Yegor Firsov, the main sergeant of a UAV attack. "Even we, the military, want our families and our backing as well as possible, while we serve at the front. Eighty percent of all destruction, from an armor to an enemy bunker, are caused by drones. href = "https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/europe/ukraine-russia-zelensky-stummit-intl" rel = "noopener noreferrer" target = "_ blank"> to survive together with Europe .

The role of financial support

Serhii Filimonov, commander of the 108th separate mechanized battalion, also known as "Da Vinci Wolves", which has been fighting against the strategic city of Pokrovsk for nine months, explained: "American support is crucial for the defense of airspace, and financial help influence the economy and the moral of society, which is particularly important for the front." A Ukrainian source said CNN that the decision had no effect on the secret service information, which is a cost-effective but still effective component of US support for Kiews.

The dispute between Trump and Selenskyj

The way Proat Donald Trump's decision is implemented, it becomes clear that he focuses on the conflict with Selenskyj and what is necessary to remedy these differences. Trump officials have already indicated that a public apology is required. They also seem hesitant to present the proposed contract that would give the United States access to the mineral raw materials of Ukraine, although Trump indicated on Monday that this agreement could make progress in the coming days.

peace negotiations and their conditions

The bid administration has outlined a vision for peace that can be viewed as binary-a moment when the war stops and Moscow Trump’s solution approves. However, Trump has repeatedly emphasized that he does not believe that President Vladimir Putin would break any agreement to negotiate together.

The European allies disagree and insist that any peace treaty must include enough security guarantees for Ukraine so that it could withstand another Russian aggression. Ukrainian officials show with resilient evidence that Russia has violated over 20 ceasefire or agreements in the past ten years. Peace that Trump is aiming for seems to demand that Selenskyj does not require any further US support; relies on European allies who may act without American help; A agreement agrees that Washington offers an indefinite flow of money from the natural resources of Ukraine to repay the US aid and to invest in reconstruction; And finally the conditions of the peace agreement, which Trump negotiates with Moscow, possibly without inviting Ukraine to the negotiating table.

The challenges for Selenskyj

These conditions are a significant burden for a war guide. Selenskyj must unconditionally trust that the US President will act in the interest of Ukraine. A public apology at Trump could possibly contribute to solving the deep crisis in the alliance between Kiev and Washington. However, this could also have serious effects on morality in Ukraine: soldiers could perceive their commander -in -chief as someone who apologizes for bullying. It would signal the European allies that Kiev Trump leaves full control without clearly knowing what goal he is pursuing.

Ukraine has reasons to suspect: the 1994 Budapest memorandum stipulated that Kiev gives up its nuclear weapons against security guarantees of the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia. Since then, the Ukrainians have suffered a decade of Russian aggression, starting with the illegal annexation of the Crimea in 2014. If not even these explicit security guarantees could do something, why should you give up the wealth of the country if this is done without a specific promise for the continuation of military help? <

The future of Ukraine and Selenskyj's role

Selenskyj's fate has become an occasional topic for Trump and his future as a US partner depends on his “acceptance of peace”. The peace that Selenskyj and its European supporters strive for is one in which Ukraine is adequately armed and protected, so that every new Russian attack - after months of conversion and refreshing during a ceasefire - can be repelled.

Selenskyj and Europe seem to be led by the teachings of the 1930s. Trump, on the other hand, seems to be convinced that his personal relationships and his ability to negotiate can surpass the brutal realities of war and geopolitics.

The President of Ukraine faces a serious decision: Should he give in to the demand of his former ally, apologize, hand over his national assets and accept the conditions of a peace agreement that is discussed without him? This puts Ukraine in the most unfavorable position, after three years of brutal Russian attacks.

The question is that if Trump agrees that the USA may continue to grant Ukraine the decisive proportion of military support that it has received in the past. Can you call this a choice at all?

The reporting of CNNS Svitlana Vlasova contributed to this report.