The view from countries where Trump's win really matters

The news of Donald Trump's return to the presidency has captured attention across the globe. His approach, often termed 'America First,' suggests a potential reduction in U. S. involvement in international conflicts. This has prompted five BBC correspondents to evaluate the implications of his victory from their respective countries. James Waterhouse, reporting from Ukraine, highlights the uncertainty surrounding Trump's future actions. A Ukrainian member of parliament expressed, 'Do not try to predict Trump's actions. No one knows how he is going to act. ' This sentiment reflects the anxiety in Ukraine regarding the future of U. S. support. Trump has previously claimed he could resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine in just one day, while also criticizing the military aid provided by the U. S. to Ukraine. A soldier stationed on the front lines voiced his concerns, stating, 'If Trump tells Putin to freeze this war, he might agree, but that could lead to worse consequences for us in the future. ' The soldier fears that a temporary halt could allow Russia to regroup and strengthen its position. Conversely, he also speculated that if Putin were to refuse Trump's request, there might be a chance for increased military support from the U. S. to Ukraine, which they desperately need in light of the ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has previously been referred to by Trump as 'the greatest salesman in history,' sent an early congratulatory message to Trump, emphasizing the potential for political and economic collaboration. However, there is also the pressing issue of how Trump will address North Korea's involvement in the situation. In Russia, Steve Rosenberg reports that the Kremlin's reaction to Trump's victory is surprisingly muted. Despite Trump's previous avoidance of criticizing President Vladimir Putin during his campaign, the Kremlin is not openly celebrating. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated, 'I'm not aware of any plans for President Putin to congratulate Trump. ' This cautious approach stems from the Kremlin's past experiences during Trump's first term, where expectations for improved U. S. -Russia relations were not met. Nevertheless, some Russian political analysts are optimistic about Trump's return, suggesting that it may lead to a U. S. retreat from its status as a global superpower. They believe that the recent U. S. election aligns with the Kremlin's vision of a world where 'liberal globalism' is losing its effectiveness. Meanwhile, in Europe, the reaction to Trump's election is mixed. Paul Kirby, the Europe digital editor, notes that while some leaders, particularly those on the right, are celebrating Trump's victory, others are expressing concern about the implications for security, trade, and climate change. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was quick to share his excitement on social media, declaring, 'It's in the bag! ' However, leaders from France and Germany are contemplating the need for a more united Europe in light of the new political landscape. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the importance of increased investment in European security, stating that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own safety. The potential for steep tariffs on European imports from the U. S. adds to the anxiety among EU leaders. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, congratulated Trump but reminded everyone that millions of jobs and billions in trade depend on a strong transatlantic relationship. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to congratulate Trump, having previously referred to him as Israel's best friend in the White House. Trump's actions, such as withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, have earned him favor in Israel. Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U. S. , described Trump's first term as 'exemplary' for Israel but cautioned that Trump may push for a swift resolution to conflicts, particularly in Gaza. In Gaza, where residents are suffering due to ongoing violence, some are hopeful that Trump can help bring about peace. One resident expressed, 'We hope he can help, and bring peace. ' Lastly, Laura Bicker, reporting from China, highlights the apprehension surrounding Trump's return. There are fears that his presidency could reignite a trade war, as he previously imposed tariffs on over $300 billion worth of Chinese imports. Trump has hinted that these tariffs could increase significantly this time around. China's economy is already facing challenges, and they are not eager for another prolonged trade conflict. However, some analysts in China see an opportunity in the shifting global dynamics. The Biden administration has spent years strengthening alliances in Asia, and if Trump's policies weaken U. S. influence, it could benefit China. In conclusion, Trump's return to power is likely to have far-reaching consequences, and countries around the world are closely monitoring the situation.