As Trump’s return threatens to end U.S. support for Ukraine, allies scramble to fill the gap

As Ukraine’s allies gathered in Halifax on Friday for the International Security Forum, the mood was one of foreboding following the election of Donald Trump. President Peter Van Praagh acknowledged the widespread belief that Ukraine may no longer be able to win the war against Russian aggression, but he was quick to dispel this notion.

Van Praagh reminded attendees that similar doubts were raised when Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and yet Ukraine has continued to fight. He promised that the conference would work to change the narrative of doom and gloom surrounding Ukraine’s prospects.

The meeting represented a crucial opportunity for those committed to Ukrainian victory to strategize against Trump’s intentions to push Ukraine into peace talks that could result in the loss of territory. However, Trump’s predictions of ending the war before taking office have not come to fruition, leading to an escalation of conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s response to Ukrainian aggression included authorizing the use of a new nuclear-capable missile and lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. This escalation was not unexpected, as both sides seek to strengthen their positions before negotiations.

Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s victory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current borders to prevent further conflicts. Despite potential challenges from the incoming Trump administration, Canada remains focused on aiding Ukraine in the war.

While financial assistance has been crucial, military hardware is equally important in modern warfare. The U.S. has provided significant military assistance to Ukraine, while European allies have also contributed resources. The question remains whether these allies can sustain their support and if it will be enough to ensure Ukraine’s victory.

Canada recently delivered air defense equipment to Ukraine, highlighting the importance of leveraging defense industries to support Ukraine. Defense Minister Bill Blair emphasized the role of the U.S. defense industry in providing essential equipment to Ukraine, despite potential challenges from the Trump administration.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Western leaders must work together to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. By leveraging military resources and industry capabilities, allies can help Ukraine strengthen its position and ultimately achieve victory in the war.