Ukraine has more to fear than most nations in a Donald Trump presidency. He cheered on Russia’s invasion of Crimea, a blatant violation of international law that he may recognize as a legitimate takeover. He has made clear his admiration for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin threw its weight behind Trump, likely responsible for the well-timed leaks of embarrassing emails involving the Democratic National Committee and top aides of losing Democratic Party challenger Hillary Clinton.
Some hope that pragmatism will win out. But nobody knows for sure because Trump has no track record in public office and a shifting ideology on many issues. He seems only interested in himself. Such greed and narcissism could unleash the worst spate of financial corruption in modern American history. Trump and his family look very corruptible — just the kind of political leaders that Putin loves. He’s spent the last 16 years corrupting Ukraine’s political leaders in a bid to weaken the nation.
But all may not be as grim as it seems today. Clinton won a majority of the popular vote, calling into question yet again America’s Electoral College system. Putin is unpopular in America, with good reason. And, with strong bipartisan majorities, the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress has staked out even tougher stances against Putin than outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama.
We cheer on the likes of re-elected U.S. Senator John McCain, the Republican from Arizona, who warned Trump this week: “We should place as much faith in such statements as any other made by a former KGB agent who has plunged his country into tyranny, murdered his political opponents, invaded his neighbors, threatened America’s allies, and attempted to undermine America’s elections.”
Amen.
