ORLANDO, Fla. — The Trump administration’s recent actions in Venezuela sparked reactions from leaders of countries all over the world, including countries President Donald Trump says the U.S. could take action against in the future.
That’s left many wondering what that means for U.S. foreign policy moving forward.
Olena Stone moved to the U.S. from Ukraine 20 years ago. She said she’s initially encouraged by the United States’ capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
“It’s some good news as those who fight for democracy to know what human rights are, and that freedom is very fragile, as is democracy. I’m happy to see. I’m hopeful,” said Stone.
The developments with Venezuela come just as the U.S. seemed to be close to brokering a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
Shortly following Maduro’s capture, Trump was asked about Russia and President Vladimir Putin.
“I’m not thrilled with Putin. He’s killing too many people,” he said.
Stone is encouraged by potential U.S. influence in Venezuela. The country, to this point, has been an ally of Russia.
“That gives hope to Ukrainians that (there will be) less influence of Russians in the Western Hemisphere. More progress will be made in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, and that will give us that advantage and leverage,” said Stone.
UCF associate professor and political analyst Aubrey Jewett said Trump’s actions send a clear message to world leaders.
“I think for a lot of world leaders of every stripe, they’re basically saying, ‘This is the United States under President Trump’s leadership, you don’t know for sure what they’re going to do,’” he said.
But Jewett believes it’s a message that could embolden some world leaders, like Putin.
“When the U.S. acts unilaterally to remove a leader of another country, it opens up questions of, ‘Can other nations do that?’” said Jewett. “And so, for instance, maybe Russia says, ‘We did the same thing with Ukraine, we invaded for good reason.’”
Because of differences in military strengths, like nuclear capabilities, Jewett said even if it wanted to, the U.S. could not take similar actions against other world leaders.
“The United States has to show restraint with some countries and some world leaders because those countries have the ability to punish us pretty severely,” said Jewett.
“The Ukrainian community is very cautious with what’s happening,” said Stone. “I’ve talked with some of my friends and colleagues, and they express such an opinion such as Ukrainians should not legitimize the way the United States administration invaded Venezuela — that is what they are saying, because we are definitely against that, the way it was done.”
But Stone is hopeful. She believes Trump is committed to achieving peace in her home country.
“The recent developments, again, give us hope,” said Stone. “And we see that Trump is ready to take steps — he’s capable of doing that — and we just want to make sure while doing that they remember who’s another dictator in this world, and that’s Russian President Vladamir Putin.”
Jeff Allen
Source link