Majority of Ukrainians Ƶcautiously optimisticƵ about Trump presidency, study finds
As Donald TrumpƵs begins his second term as President of the United States, a groundbreaking study led by The University of Manchester has revealed that a majority of Ukrainians hold a cautiously optimistic view of his presidency - even amid significant global uncertainty about its implications for the ongoing war with Russia.
The research is part of the ƵIdentity and Borders in Flux: The Case of UkraineƵ (IBiF) project - a collaboration between The University of Manchester, George Washington University, the University of Oxford and Kyiv School of Economics funded by The British Academy.
The study found that 54% of Ukrainians view TrumpƵs return as generally more positive than negative for Ukraine, although regional and demographic differences persist. Younger Ukrainians aged 18Ƶ29 are particularly optimistic, with 64% expressing confidence in TrumpƵs leadership benefiting their country.
Professor Olga Onuch, the projectƵs lead researcher, emphasised the importance of these findings in understanding public sentiment during a time of geopolitical upheaval. ƵOur research highlights the nuanced and often ambivalent perspectives Ukrainians have toward Donald TrumpƵs presidency,Ƶ she said.
While many see potential for stronger US support under Trump, there remains widespread concern about his past remarks on UkraineƵs sovereignty and his ability to broker a sustainable peace.
ƵOur findings may also reflect Ukrainian President Volodymyr ZelenskyƵs recent public efforts to woo and flatter Trump as he takes the helm of UkraineƵs most powerful ally,Ƶ added Henry Hale of George Washington University.
Donald Trump has sparked controversy in the West with statements suggesting the US might scale back military support for Ukraine and focus on negotiating a peace deal, even if this compromises UkraineƵs territorial integrity. These remarks have raised alarms in Kyiv and among NATO allies, as they potentially undermine UkraineƵs ability to resist Russian aggression.
The study reveals that territorial integrity remains a non-negotiable priority for Ukrainians, with 57% agreeing that Ƶany peace agreement that does not restore the full territorial integrity of Ukraine is doomed to failure.Ƶ Despite TrumpƵs claims of being a skilled negotiator, scepticism persists about whether his administration could achieve a deal acceptable to Ukraine and its Western allies.
The research underscores the delicate balance required to maintain Western unity in supporting Ukraine. As NATO and the EU closely monitor TrumpƵs rhetoric, Ukraine remains steadfast in its demand for a peace deal that ensures sovereignty and territorial integrity.
ƵThe Ukrainian publicƵs cautious optimism reflects a mix of hope and pragmatism,Ƶ Professor Onuch added. ƵAs Trump and his new administration navigate these complex dynamics, the stakes for Ukraine and the West couldnƵt be higher.Ƶ