As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for office, Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, has hinted Trump might greenlight Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil using long-range missiles, in a bold shift from previous U.S. policies. Despite Trump’s rumored plan for a demilitarized zone in Ukraine, Dearlove believes the new administration may relax restrictions on Ukraine’s use of powerful American and British weaponry, a move Dearlove says could “change the military balance very rapidly.”
With concerns mounting over how the U.S. will support Ukraine going forward, Dearlove is optimistic about Trump’s potential for tough diplomacy, noting his “transactional” approach and readiness to push Russia to the negotiating table. “I don’t see Trump selling Ukraine down the river,” Dearlove asserted, dismissing fears of a sudden U.S. withdrawal from Ukrainian aid.
This speculation follows Trump’s pledge to resolve the war quickly, despite reports of a proposed demilitarized zone that would keep U.S. forces at a distance. Trump’s potential support for a tougher Ukrainian stance, including targeting Russian air bases and ammunition depots, could reshape the conflict—and place more pressure on NATO allies to step up their own defense commitments.
Sources for this article include: The Sun, statements from former MI6 head Sir Richard Dearlove, and reports on current U.S.-Ukraine policy discussions.
