On Ukraine’s front and in Kyiv, hope and pragmatism compete when it comes to Trump’s election

Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Soldiers in a Ukrainian artillery battery on the front lines of the country’s east were only vaguely aware of American election results pointing to Donald Trump’s victory. But they were firm in their hopes for the next president of the United States on Wednesday. Trump’s election throws into doubt American support for Ukraine. But this unit’s 39-year-old commander is among many Ukrainians who hope that Trump will hold the line on American aid. It was under Trump that the United States first sent weapons to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, in 2017. But Trump overall is wary of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.