Russia and Ukraine flashpoint

[Ryuu96]

“If his admiration for Putin remains intact, Trump could well decide to lift sanctions on Russia as soon as he enters office, much to the horror of European countries.” 2/6

— Gokul Sahni (@Gokul_Sahni) February 8, 2024

“A second Trump presidency would not help to convince developing economies—which Trump once collectively disparaged as “shithole countries”—to partner with Washington for the supply of critical raw materials.” 4/6

— Gokul Sahni (@Gokul_Sahni) February 8, 2024

“Seen from China, a Trump win in November could very well look like a tempting opportunity to benefit from the chaos, the divisions, and the hit to U.S. prestige that it would unleash.” 6/6

— Gokul Sahni (@Gokul_Sahni) February 8, 2024

Scholz arrives just as Republicans in Congress, acting at Trump’s behest, are blocking military aid for Kyiv, imperilling the fate of the embattled country.

The Washington setback comes as Ukraine's frontline troops complain of ammunition shortages, and as Russian forces make a major push to capture the shattered ruins of the city of Avdiivka.

It's a particularly grim scenario for the Germans, who fear they will now be on the hook as Kyiv's main champion — a role they never wanted, preferring the part of Washington's sidekick.

Trump’s already back and America has ditched Ukraine. What does Europe do now? – POLITICO

"We're not focused on Plan B," Jake Sullivan, the president's national security adviser, said in Brussels on Wednesday after a NATO meeting with his counterparts. "We're focused on plan A," which he said meant passing a bipartisan aid package that will enable Ukraine to "defend effectively and to take back territory that Russia currently occupies."

What Happens if U.S. Support for Ukraine Collapses? - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

They don't have a Plan B because Lend-Lease has expired.