**Ukraine’s Worst-Case Scenario Not Yet Realized, Says McCain Institute Head**
In the months since Donald Trump took office, Ukraine has been left in limbo without a peace deal. Just days before the US presidential election last year, Evelyn Farkas, head of the McCain Institute, told the Kyiv Independent that a Trump victory would be the “worst-case scenario” for Ukraine. But is this worst-case scenario still on the horizon?
**A Betrayal of Ukraine’s Interests**
Farkas believes that some statements made by the White House during Trump’s term have been a betrayal of Ukraine’s interests. She cites examples such as saying Crimea was always Russian and that Ukraine can’t ever become part of NATO. “Those kinds of statements are a betrayal of Ukraine and its interests,” she said.
Furthermore, Farkas noted that there has been a lack of clear articulation from the White House on who the victim and aggressor are in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “The American people feel very clearly that Ukraine was and is the victim, and Russia was and is the aggressor,” she said. “That is not articulated clearly from the White House.”
**A Deterrence of Putin**
Farkas also emphasized the importance of having a deterrence of Putin in order to achieve a lasting peace for Ukraine. She noted that without the United States military backing, it would be difficult to deter Putin’s aggression.
**Bipartisan Support Needed**
When asked what Democrats can do to help Ukraine, Farkas said they should continue to work with Republicans who want to support Ukraine. She cited Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill as an example of bipartisan legislation that has a veto-proof majority.
Farkas also encouraged Democrats to speak to their constituents and listen to their concerns about Ukraine. “There are a lot of constituents who care and who want America to do the right thing when it comes to Ukraine and other places in the world,” she said.
**Public Opinion vs. White House Opinions**
Farkas noted that American public opinion differs wildly from the opinions expressed by the White House on Ukraine. She believes that there is still a majority of Americans in favor of supporting Ukraine, but this is not reflected in the White House’s stance.
In conclusion, while Ukraine’s worst-case scenario may not be realized yet, it remains a possibility unless the US takes steps to support Ukraine and deter Putin’s aggression.
—
This article was written by Chris York, news operations editor at the Kyiv Independent.
