****

Ukraine faces a significant diplomatic challenge with the election of Donald Trump, necessitating a shift in strategy to align with the new administration's transactional approach to foreign policy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has navigated a complex relationship with Trump, will now need to adapt his sales pitch to maintain crucial support from the United States.

In 2019, Trump allegedly exerted pressure on Zelenskyy via a phone call to investigate Hunter Biden, leveraging US aid to Ukraine. Despite these tensions, Trump has shown a degree of admiration for Zelenskyy, acknowledging his ability to secure substantial aid packages. Recently, Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on his return to the White House, signaling a willingness to collaborate with the new administration.

However, Ukraine finds itself in a precarious position as it continues to lose territory to Russia and braces for another difficult winter. Opposition to supporting Ukraine is strong within the Republican Party's MAGA wing, which previously delayed a significant aid package to Ukraine. Ukrainian government officials fear that any deal perceived as concessionary will result in further Russian aggression.

Recognizing Trump's pragmatic approach, Ukrainian leaders are downplaying the defense of democracy in favor of emphasizing the nation's wealth in natural resources. Critical minerals like titanium, graphite, and lithium, essential for the green energy transition, are now central to Ukraine's pitch. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Trump's staunch allies and a Ukraine supporter, has echoed this sentiment.

John Conway of Republicans for Ukraine emphasizes that a victorious Russia poses a direct threat to the US, citing recent threats linked to Russian operatives. Additionally, Trump's prior decisions, such as selling Javelin missiles to Ukraine during his first term, suggest that appealing to his business instincts might be effective.

While Ukraine remains cautiously optimistic, the future of US support may hinge on who fills key roles in Trump's Cabinet. Former National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, a likely candidate for a senior role, has advocated for continued lethal aid to Ukraine, funded by European countries, and bolstered Eastern European NATO presence—steps that could provoke Putin.

Ultimately, Ukraine aims to make the most of Trump's unpredictability, hoping for solutions that sustain support and curb Russian advances without causing a total collapse reminiscent of Afghanistan. With changing political dynamics and Congress dynamics at play, Ukraine needs to navigate this new reality with a strategic and resource-focused approach to secure the necessary backing from the Trump administration.