"Ukraine needs to hold on for a year": Expert on scenarios if U.S. exits negotiations

This was stated by Victoria Vdovichenko, co-director of the Future of Ukraine program at the Cambridge University Geopolitics Center, during a broadcast on Espreso.

"Yesterday, during a question-and-answer session with UK Defense Minister John Healey, the possible exit of the United States from the negotiation process regarding Ukraine was discussed. One of the blocks of questions was about the actions of the UK. Specifically, whether the Coalition of the Willing, which includes the UK, would guarantee the participation of British forces that could potentially be involved when signing an agreement," she said.

John Healey did not specify the format of the agreement: whether the British contingent would enter Ukrainian territory and how security for British soldiers would be ensured. Meanwhile, one of the British parliamentarians pointed out that not only Trump is bluffing, but Putin will also drag out the negotiation process to ensure that the U.S. gradually exits, Vdovichenko noted.

At that point, John Healey confirmed that the UK is preparing an appropriate scenario together with the French and Germans.

"As the British themselves say, the most important thing is to hold on for at least another year, because in 2026, changes will occur in Congress. We know that very well," the expert added.

In this context, the scaling up of defense industries in Ukraine and the UK was highlighted. In a few days, a defense industry forum will take place in London, where they plan to discuss production volumes and strengthening industrial cooperation in 2025.

Vdovichenko recalled the speech by Vance in Munich, which caused the most concern among European partners and prompted them to review their defense policies for the first time in decades.

"The UK has already announced the largest aid package in the last three years, which will be formalized soon," she added.

An important meeting will also take place in London on May 19 — the first EU-UK summit, where a large defense agreement will be discussed. According to Keir Starmer, it is nearly finalized, and Brussels has responded positively to the proposals.

"Is there an alternative path? No. Investment in the Ukrainian Armed Forces is the most promising path," Vdovichenko concluded.

• On Wednesday, April 23, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak held a meeting with national security and foreign policy advisors from the coalition countries in London.