(Davos) Ukraine will work with whoever wins the American elections, its Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba assured AFP in Davos.
“I will accept the opinion of the American people, and we will work with whatever realities arise after the elections,” he said on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.
The shadow of Donald Trump, who did not make the trip to Switzerland, hangs over the Davos meeting, where the prospect of his possible re-election to the American presidency is much debated, in public and in private.
In particular, American policy towards Ukraine – already uncertain currently due to strong divisions in Congress – could change: Donald Trump could be tempted to drastically reduce the military aid granted to the country at war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mr. Trump know each other “and respect each other,” added Mr. Kuleba at the end of one of the many events in Davos dedicated to the Ukrainian question, where several European officials, including Polish President Andrzej Duda and British Foreign Minister David Cameron, were also present.
Cyberwar
Mr Kuleba also called on Western countries to “increase” their support for Ukraine and “ensure its sustainability”.
Ukraine said on Wednesday that it aims to control the air currently dominated by Russia by 2024, which requires more air defense systems.
The country also needs “electronic warfare capabilities to counter Russian missiles” and “planes, F-16s or other Western planes, with enough missiles to fire,” detailed Mr. Kuleba.
Polish Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic explained to AFP that an “essential element of a Ukrainian victory is that the West remains united in its support”, saying he is convinced that “the United States will remain committed to its support” , whatever the outcome of the presidential election.
The United States special representative for the economic reconstruction of Ukraine, Penny Pritzker, also insisted on the existence of a bipartisan consensus in favor of Ukraine in Washington.
“The United States needs to live up to its commitment to Ukraine, and I think it will,” she said.
Putin “sets the world on fire”
Volodymyr Zelensky, who came to Davos for the first time in person, worked with international decision-makers, on stage and behind the scenes, to guarantee the continuation of Western aid. Because almost two years after the Russian invasion, and with a front line generally immobile for several months, the risk of fatigue is growing.
Mr. Kuleba praised the “optimistic atmosphere” in the Swiss ski resort and reported “productive” meetings of Ukrainian representatives with politicians and investors, which could augur additional financing.
“The world is ready to invest more in a Ukrainian victory,” he assured. “People have faith in Ukraine. »
“We must be prepared for a long race that will allow us to take care of the security of our citizens and support Ukraine,” remarked Mr. Duda, adding that “without a doubt, Putin decided to set fire to the world “.