On April 24, the New Europe Center held an online briefing named “Trump the Peacemaker: How Ukraine Assesses the Efforts of the New U.S. President – and What It Means for Asia” for opinion leaders from Asian countries. During the event the leading Ukrainian experts presented their perspective on U.S. diplomatic efforts and strategies to confront Russia’s aggression.

In particular, the key discussions were around the following issues:

• Can Trump achieve an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine?
• Why would a false peace for Ukraine have negative consequences for the entire world, and Asia in particular?
• Why do unjust, imposed conditions on Ukraine pose a threat not only to Europe but also to Asia?
• In what ways can Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan play an indirect role in the negotiation process?

During introductory remarks Sergiy Solodkyy, First Deputy Director, New Europe Center, Ukraine, said: “At the end of last year, New Europe commissioned an opinion poll which revealed a high level of trust in Trump among Ukrainians – 44%. This reflected a strong sense of hope in the new U.S. President’s promises of peace. Today, more and more Ukrainians are beginning to worry: could someone who promised to be a peacemaker turn into a troublemaker?”

Norah Huang, Director for International Relations, Prospect Foundation, Taiwan, kindly moderated the event. During her speech the expert addressed to the participants: “As we continue to navigate a shifting geopolitical landscape, the decisions and priorities of the United States, especially under the new administration of Trump, reverberate far beyond its borders. Ukraine, standing at the frontlines of the democratic world’s defence against aggression, offers a unique perspective on American leadership, credibility and commitment to global security. From Taiwan, this resonates deeply. As an island that understands the weight of geopolitical pressure and the importance of international solidarity, we have much to learn from Ukraine’s experience.”

Leonid Litra, Senior Research Fellow, New Europe Center, Ukraine, emphasized the role of key Asian democracies in the negotiation process: “The only way for Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to play an indirect role in the peace negotiation process is by helping Ukraine withstand the pressure. These countries can delay or even prevent conflict in East Asia by supporting Ukraine, because if Russia fails in Ukraine, it will serve as a lesson and show that such aggressive actions can also fail in their own region.”

Hanna Hopko, Chairwoman, ANTS NGO Network, Head of Foreign Affairs Committee at Ukrainian Parliament (2014-2019), Ukraine, called on Asian partners to take proactive action: “The lesson our friends and partners in the Pacific region should understand is: help us faster, because you have these opportunities to contribute more. Don’t delay with decisions; don’t expect that tomorrow Trump may change his position. If he changes it, this would be great, but we all have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.”

Mykhailo Samus, Director, New Geopolitics Research Network, Ukraine, emphasized: “The democratic world that has been built since 1945 is being dismantled. We need to say this openly. Together with our partners in Europe, Asia, and across the world, we must build a new system to protect our democratic values against these axes of evil.”

Yuriy Poita, Head of Asia-Pacific Section, Center for Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies, Taiwan/Ukraine, pointed out: “What would be the consequences of a false peace between Ukraine and Russia? It could severely damage the credibility of the United States in the eyes of its allies. Right now, there is a lot of discussion in Taiwan about whether the U.S. would be a reliable partner — whether it would come to Taiwan’s aid if China were to invade. Similar conversations are happening in Japan, South Korea, and elsewhere. A false peace could weaken the morale of these nations and raise serious doubts about the strength of global security commitments.”

Video recording of the online briefing is available in English on New Europe`s Youtube Channel.

The New Europe Center has been actively working to strengthen Ukraine’s partnerships with key democratic actors in Asia. As part of these efforts, the think tank conducted advocacy visits to Tokyo and Seoul in February this year, organized the Fifth Ukraine–Japan Forum, and published a range of analytical materials.

The online briefing is organized by the New Europe Center (Kyiv, Ukraine) in partnership with the Prospect Foundation (Taipei, Taiwan) and supported by the International Renaissance Foundation (Kyiv, Ukraine).