Inside Ukraine's careful dance with US presidential candidates
As US election approaches Ukraine tries to stay neutral while dealing with Russian advances. Key figures in Kyiv share mixed feelings about both candidates while hoping for continued support
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
