US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to meet NATO and EU officials on Wednesday for urgent discussions on increasing support for Ukraine, as concerns grow over future aid as Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.
Arriving in Brussels late on Tuesday, Blinken’s one-day trip includes meetings with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, future EU leadership member Kaja Kallas, and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga.
The high-stakes visit comes amid fears that Trump’s re-election, along with Germany’s internal political crisis, could jeopardise ongoing assistance for Ukraine at a critical stage in its fight against Russia’s invasion.
Trump has previously expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has criticised the $175 billion the US committed to Ukraine since the war began in 2022.
Trump, who will be inaugurated on January 20, spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He has claimed he could end the war in a day, likely by demanding concessions from Ukraine, although his recently appointed national security advisor, Mike Waltz, indicated Trump might also put pressure on Putin.
The Washington Post reported that Trump held a phone call with Putin, advising against further escalation, although the Kremlin denied this account.
The US election outcome coincides with Ukraine’s concerns over reports from US intelligence that thousands of North Korean troops have been sent to support Russia, potentially marking a significant intensification in the conflict.
US media suggested that Trump may appoint Republican Senator Marco Rubio as Blinken’s replacement as Secretary of State. Although Rubio is considered supportive of Kyiv, he has also argued for “pragmatism” in US aid, pointing to what he describes as a “stalemate” in the conflict.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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