Former ambassador Mikko Hautala assesses the consequences of Donald Trump‘s re-election in Yle Ykkösaamu.
The former Finnish ambassador to the United States who visited Ylen Ykkösaamu Mikko Hautala estimated that the presidential election won Donald Trump seeks a quick solution to the war in Ukraine.
Trump has previously threatened to end the war in a day. Ukraine’s defense relies heavily on US arms aid.
– I think it is very likely that some kind of initiative will come from Trump. My own experience in the United States was also that his inner circle has long outlined the ways and conditions for peace.
– I would assume that he will probably strive for a negotiation relationship as well Putin’s and Zelenskyin with, on the basis of which at least a ceasefire would be quickly put into effect, Hautala said.
However, Hautala added that he is skeptical about achieving lasting peace.
– I also raise the concern that if Ukraine is left in limbo in terms of foreign policy and support from the West, it would probably lead to a difficult situation in terms of internal politics.
Support faltering
Mikko Hautala is currently Nokia’s director responsible for social relations and geopolitics. Inka Soveri
Trump’s re-election has also raised concerns about the waning of US military support for Finland and other Western countries. During his previous presidency, Trump demanded that European NATO countries invest more in their own defense.
NATO’s goal has been for each member country to spend at least two percent of its GDP on defense.
– I expect more similar politics, and this time it can come out more strongly. It is clear to me that he will question the adequacy of two percent.
According to Hautala, Trump’s success is partly explained by the fact that, especially in the areas of support for the Republicans, Europe is strongly perceived to be too dependent on the support of the United States.
– Trump takes advantage of Americans’ feeling of being taken advantage of. But this has a genuine basis in society, and it must be taken seriously. We have to ask, how committed are we to defending ourselves? Hautala reminded.
According to Hautala, Finland should not watch hopelessly how Trump’s election will affect world politics.
– We shouldn’t bury ourselves in a potato hole waiting for the end of the world.
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