As NATO leaders convene for a summit in Washington, the attention is focused on the uncertainty surrounding Ukraine's future. Despite assurances from alliance leaders about continuing to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russian forces, the looming prospect of a Donald Trump presidency is casting a shadow over the discussions.

Western officials are wary of Trump's potential return to the White House and its implications for U.S. aid to Ukraine. Trump's past avoidance of criticizing Russia's actions and his questioning of the NATO alliance have raised concerns about the future of American support for Ukraine. The debate surrounding U.S. military aid packages to Ukraine, coupled with the lack of clarity on Trump's stance, has fueled anxiety among European allies and Ukrainian officials.

The issue of arming Ukraine has become entangled in U.S. domestic politics, causing frustration among Ukrainian government officials who are navigating a partisan minefield. The Biden administration's cautious approach has drawn criticism for being too slow in providing necessary weapons to Ukraine, while the uncertainty surrounding Trump's potential policies leaves many unsure of what to expect. Amid fears of a second Trump presidency, Ukrainian officials, Western allies, and experts are urging for concrete steps to safeguard Ukraine's security, including potential NATO membership guarantees.