With the recent election of Donald Trump, the bleak future of the Russo-Ukrainian war will only be worsened.  

Many of Trump’s supporters advocate for ending the war, but their approach hinges on a controversial proposal.

“Two key advisers to Donald Trump have presented him with a plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine,” Reuters reported. “That involves telling Ukraine it will only get more U.S. weapons if it enters peace talks.”

While this plan will provide more funding to Ukraine if Russia remains unwilling to negotiate, it does not guarantee success. Russia will not give up Ukrainian territory it currently holds, and Ukraine will continue to fight for that territory. This creates a stalemate, with both countries vying for the same territory. 

Recent escalations have also made peace talks more difficult, as Ukraine is now able to use American missiles to strike targets in Russia.

In response, Russia updated its nuclear doctrine to allow more scenarios in which Russia can use nuclear deterrence.  

This doctrine shows how Russia will intend to use nuclear weapons: “Aggression against the Russian Federation and (or) its allies by any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state shall be considered as their joint attack.”

This change will provide Russia justification to use nuclear weapons if Ukraine uses American weapons in Russia.  

It’s unlikely that Russia will use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Due to the decisions made by Trump and his supporters, Putin will be able to win the Russian-Ukrainian war without pressing the red button.

Ukraine is already in losing territory, and with the advent of Trump administration, Russia may be able to force an armistice with Ukraine.  

The fear of escalation still looms in the distance, and Russia’s influence on American politics will show just how sovereign this country truly is.

Trump’s coziness with Russian President Vladimir Putin displays his ignorance and stupidity with global politics. When asked about the allegations that Putin played a role in the deaths of journalists, CNN reported Trump’s response: “He’s [Putin] running his country and at least he’s a leader, unlike what we have in this country,” 

If Trump’s justification for this autocracy is that Putin can run “his country,” then for the welfare of all Americans, I am fearful of how Trump thinks he should run our country.  

Editors’ note: The Russian doctrine referred to in this story was translated using Google