Trifunovic: There is hope that Trump will bring changes to the Kosovo issue, but caution is needed

Donald Trump’s policy will be beneficial for world peace, Ivan Trifunovic from the Pupin Initiative stated for Kosovo Online in light of the US elections. Regarding the resolution of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, he said there is hope that some change may come, but caution is necessary.

Commenting on the US election results, Trifunovic highlighted that American voters tend to be undecided, with some making their decision at the last moment.

“They have various topics of interest, but ultimately, when they go to the polling station, they ask themselves, ‘Am I better off today than four years ago?’ in relation to the economy. I believe this was indeed decisive. Moreover, Trump is a unique figure. I think he will become a transformative figure in history because he is the first politician who, so to speak, calls things by their true name, perhaps in a rather blunt way,” Trifunovic commented.

He emphasized that people appreciate Trump’s honesty and authenticity, which is why they placed their trust in him.

“The fact is, during his first term, he avoided all wars; he was the first American president in several decades who neither initiated nor continued any war, and he genuinely believes that wars should be prevented. I think this is a promise he can probably keep. Of course, it’s always uncertain what the balance of power on the international scene will be,” he stated.

The biggest loser in the US elections is likely Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Trifunovic.

“Trump is a pragmatist, whereas Western politicians, especially from Europe and even the Democrats, kept vaguely supporting this plan for Ukraine’s victory, insisting that Russians must withdraw from every last inch of territory, which was obviously completely unrealistic. Trump just says what others think, which is that some agreement with the Russians must be reached. I believe he will speed this up, catalyzing a resolution. Instead of people dying and negotiations dragging on for months or years, I think he’ll cut to the chase and push Ukraine to find a solution at the negotiation table to end the war,” Trifunovic said.

Regarding the Middle East, Trifunovic believes Trump will continue to support Israel.

"Trump will allow Netanyahu even more freedom to act as he pleases. I also think he will increase efforts to foster agreements between moderate Arab regimes and Israel. He was close to helping finalize an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which would be the last major Arab country to sign such an accord with Israel. Iran, of course, tried to disrupt this by backing Hamas's attack on Israel, so Trump will support Israel one hundred percent,” he explained.

Trifunovic highlighted that Trump’s primary focus will be on China.

“He’s already announced plans to impose very high tariffs, up to 60 percent, on all Chinese goods. This could cause some disruption in the global capital and trade markets,” he said.
Regarding the resolution of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, there is a small hope for change, Trifunovic noted.

"But we must also be cautious because Trump is the type to assess a problem and, like a true businessman, make a quick decision, saying, ‘It will be this way,’ leaving little room for discussion. Overall, I think his policies will be beneficial for world peace, although the big question remains what will happen with China,” Trifunovic concluded.