The re-election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency is viewed by many observers as a potential boon for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his war against Ukraine. On the contrary, America's political realignment may be a significant blow to the ideological foundation of Putin's dream of a "multi-polar world"—a paradigm shift that presents significant opportunities and challenges for America and the West.

Some analysts believe Russia has already won the overarching conflict; that the Russian mind-set is "zero-sum"—one winner, one loser—and that Putin will fight on until Ukraine and the West capitulate; that Russia only pays lip service to negotiations; that talk of sanctions and economic ostracization is meaningless given Russia's sacrifices and eventual victory over the Nazis.

This view implies limited options for the United States: end or sharply curtail military support for Ukraine and isolate America from the conflict entirely, effectively acknowledging Putin's victory; double-down and continue escalation until one side is vanquished; or, to use a Vietnam War idiom, "pull a Westmoreland"—withdraw and declare victory.

In contrast, Donald Trump promises to facilitate a negotiated end to the war "within 24 hours" of being sworn into office. However rhetorical, it is worth noting that America was engaged........

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