The United States Abandons Ukraine

The war in southeast Ukraine is now entering its fourth year. While violence markedly reduced following the Minsk II agreement in February 2015, each week brought a steady stream of casualties on both sides of the front line. Just as Ukraine could count on further violence, it could also count on political and material support from the US. Until now.

In February, violence flared up once again, reaching levels not seen since the height of the fighting two years ago. Pro-Russian separatist groups began heavily shelling the industrial city of Avdiivka, causing civilian and military deaths. Moreover, critical utilities such as gas, electricity and water have been cut off in -20C weather, provoking a major humanitarian crisis.

Unlike previous outbreaks of violence, however, this time there was a deafening official silence from the US in place of the usual condemnations. While Trump tweeted about a failed terror attack in Paris, no one from the White House was willing to step forward to condemn this escalation in Ukraine and back the country's sovereignty.

Many within Ukraine believe this showed that the Trump Administration - widely seen as being more pro-Russia than its predecessor - had withdrawn its support for the country's fight against Russia. In this article, Ukrainian journalist, Maxim Eristavi, explains the way in which the US's actions are being perceived within his country, and the growing realisation that Ukraine may have to 'go it alone'.

Using his local knowledge, he also concisely explains the positive impacts which US support for Ukraine had on its civil society and the possible consequences it has for the country's future development. Overall, this article fits as one piece of the greater narrative on the impacts of a new isolationist US on the wider world.