"Zelenskyy Navigates US Politics During Strategic Meetings with Biden, Trump, and Harris"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned to Ukraine after a significant visit to the United States, where he engaged with key political leaders to bolster support for his country amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. During his trip, the Biden administration committed over $8 billion in continued military aid, ensuring support for Ukraine until a new US administration is in place.

However, Zelenskyy’s visit was not without complications. His stop at an ammunition plant in Pennsylvania drew criticism from Republicans, leading House Speaker Mike Johnson to demand the dismissal of Ukraine’s ambassador to the US. Despite earlier speculation that a meeting with Republican candidate Donald Trump might be canceled, the two leaders met in New York, where Zelenskyy also shared his vision for Ukraine’s victory with both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Analysts note that while Zelenskyy aims to secure a comprehensive victory plan, gaining consensus among Western allies remains a challenge. Long-range weapons have become a contentious issue; the Biden administration has imposed limits on their use, fearing escalation in the conflict. Zelenskyy believes that these capabilities are crucial for Ukraine to end the war effectively, a sentiment echoed by his advisor Mykhailo Podolyak.

As Ukraine prepares for the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Zelenskyy’s administration is hopeful for a positive response to their proposed victory plan. While no immediate pledges of support were made during his meetings in the US, there is anticipation that discussions among partner nations will yield results.

However, concerns linger regarding the positions of both presidential candidates. Trump’s assertions that the war could be resolved quickly raise fears of potentially detrimental negotiations with Russia, while there are worries that Harris would maintain Biden’s cautious approach to foreign policy.

As Zelenskyy concluded his US trip, he emphasized that the resources necessary for Ukraine’s success are within reach, but the nation must now await the decisions of its allies.