Shadow of Uncertainty: Trump’s Potential Return Looms Over Quad Leaders’ Ukraine Support Pledge

An elephant reminiscent of Trump loomed large during the Quad meeting

As the US election approaches next month, the possibility of Donald Trump making a comeback to the White House overshadowed a gathering of leaders from the UK, US, Germany, and France. The Republican has suggested that he would be less inclined than Joe Biden to maintain support for Ukraine.

By Adele Robinson, news reporter

Friday, October 18, 2024, 6:

The remarks from the leaders aimed to bolster ongoing Western backing for Ukraine, even as a significant but unaddressed issue remained present.

During a press conference in Berlin, U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were united in demonstrating the robust transatlantic relationship between their nations to the global audience.

Biden characterized Germany as the United States' "foremost and most crucial ally," whereas Scholz remarked that the "strong bonds between the US and Germany should not be assumed as automatic."

The announcement was a unified declaration of ongoing support for Ukraine as it continues its conflict with Russia.

As Biden reiterated his stance with the phrase "we cannot let up, we cannot," and Scholz reinforced a commitment to solidarity saying "we are with Ukraine for as long as needed," shortly thereafter, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer mirrored these thoughts by stating, "We remain united in support for Ukraine."

A largely overlooked concern that appears to have left European officials uneasy is the uncertainty regarding who the next U.S. leader will be.

During President Biden's farewell trip to Germany, there's an unspoken concern that if Donald Trump is victorious in the upcoming U.S. election, the current discussions on backing Ukraine and positions on the Middle East crisis may ultimately be in vain.

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In response to inquiries on reinforcing European security against potential shifts in U.S. policy should Trump regain presidency, Starmer largely sidestepped the question.

The problem is that Trump has suggested he would be less willing than Biden to maintain support for Ukraine, and that U.S. assistance to NATO allies might be conditional.

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He also refers to himself as "the greatest ally Israel has ever known."

Currently, the United States holds the position of being Ukraine's largest military supporter, which means there's a lot on the line.

Discover further: Comprehensive analysis of the US election. Key demographic differences shaping the voting outcome.

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Currently, leaders from the UK, US, Germany, and France, collectively known as "the quad," are united in their support for Ukraine and are actively advocating for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

However, a few weeks can bring significant changes.

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