OPINION:
President Trump faces a critical window to secure American interests in Ukraine’s future. While peace talks extend, one thing is crystal clear: America and its closest neighbor, Canada, must act now to prevent China from turning postwar Ukraine into its European beachhead.
When the dust settles in Ukraine, a once-in-a-generation opportunity awaits to rebuild a war-torn nation and to create a powerful ally that serves North American strategic and economic interests. Mr. Trump, who built his reputation on making deals that put America first, can forge a powerful partnership with Canada that ensures Ukraine’s reconstruction benefits American and Canadian workers and businesses, not Chinese communists.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. As we’ve seen repeatedly, China is waiting in the wings, ready to offer “aid” that comes with strings attached. Beijing isn’t interested in Ukraine’s freedom. It wants Ukraine’s resources and a stronger foothold in Europe to challenge American and Canadian power. This would be a disaster for North American national security and waste the billions of dollars our countries have invested in the region.
Mr. Trump’s business instincts and Canada’s deep energy expertise create the perfect formula for success. The minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine presents an ideal foundation for North American leadership in Ukraine’s reconstruction. This isn’t charity; it’s smart business creating jobs while securing vital resources for American and Canadian industries. By prioritizing North American firms in the rebuilding process, the Trump administration can deliver a win for everyone: profits for U.S. and Canadian companies and a strategically aligned Ukraine that is a buffer against Russian and Chinese influence.
Ukraine’s vast natural resources and strategic location make it too valuable to surrender to our adversaries. The Trump administration should push for tax and regulatory policies in Ukraine that give North American businesses preferential access to Ukrainian markets and resources. Fair trade deals among America, Canada and Ukraine will create jobs across North America while keeping the Chinese Communist Party on the outside looking in.
National security demands that we help Ukraine rebuild its defenses. A strong Ukraine serves as a bulwark against future aggression and protects North American interests in Europe. Programs such as the 2022 Lend-Lease initiative aren’t handouts. They are smart investments in compatible defense systems that benefit America’s military-industrial complex while creating a reliable ally for the United States and Canada.
Although European partners will contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding, only North American leadership can ensure China doesn’t fill the power vacuum. Mr. Trump’s “America First” approach, working hand-in-hand with its Canadian allies, is exactly what’s needed to turn postwar Ukraine into a North American success story rather than a Chinese satellite.
The choice is simple: Either America and Canada lead Ukraine’s reconstruction under Mr. Trump’s strong leadership or we watch China capture the resources, markets and geopolitical advantage we paid for with American and Canadian taxpayer dollars. The time for North American action is now.
• Michael Yurkovich is the president of Refraction Asset Management Ltd., a Calgary-based company. He has invested in Ukraine since 2016.
