In late-2024 Ukrainian officials face a tough challenge - keeping distance from US presidential race while needing more support. Mykhailo Podolyak from Presidents office explains their stance:
Any election in a country that supports Ukraine is important to us‚ because this can impact the level of support; of course we do not interfere in the domestic political process
Last month Volodymyr Zelensky met both candidates during his US trip which showed how complex American politics can be - his visit to Scranton ammo factory caused anger among Republicans (since only Democrats were present)
Russian forces are moving forward in eastern regions and North-Korean soldiers appear in Kursk which makes Kyiv worried about future aid. Solomiia Bobrovska from parliament says: “Its hard no matter who wins; if its Trump Europe needs to do more but if its Harris sheʼll keep Bidens slow approach“
Since 02/2022 US gave over $100B in support packages but delays happened due to:
- Internal US disagreements
- Fear of conflict growing bigger
- Long approval process for new weapons
- Rules about hitting Russian land
Zelensky showed his five-point plan to Biden asking for long-range weapons and NATO invite; Washington still hasnt answered. Ukrainian leaders think current administration avoids new support promises before election
Trump has often criticized Ukraine and praised Putin - even saying heʼd end war in one day. But Kyiv stays calm: some think his unpredictable nature might help. Alyona Getmanchuk from New Europe Center thinks: “If Trump makes deal with Putin and Russia breaks it Ukraine could get more help“
After taking Vuhledar mining town this month Russian army moved 9km north - fastest advance since early-2022; Ukraineʼs army shows signs of being tired. With winter coming people worry about power cuts and heating problems