Staff Reports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made his grand entrance into the United States this week, aiming to pitch his so-called “victory plan” to the likes of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump. This visit comes after a hot summer of fighting, where Russia has been marching forward in eastern Ukraine faster than you can say “foreign aid.” Zelensky is hoping to persuade the Biden administration to give Ukraine the green light to unleash some long-range weaponry on Russian targets, and he’s probably preparing for quite the sales pitch.
The backdrop to this political gala is a bitter conflict that has seen casualties on both sides, alongside Russia flexing its military muscles. Kyiv’s grip on parts of the Kursk region remains contested, and while Zelensky wants the West to step up and arm Ukraine to the teeth, it seems that Biden is still reluctant. The notion that the U.S. should give Ukraine free rein to battle deep in enemy territory has some in Washington skittish, fearing that any escalation might draw them into a wider conflict, while Zelensky seems undeterred by such concerns.
President Zelensky has said that Ukraine will present a plan for victory to Biden's team, to Harris, and to Trump before the election.
It would be interesting if they were all fed a drastically different version to see who leaks it to the Russians first. pic.twitter.com/jmvYC65wp3
— JFDI 69th NAFO Fella 🇺🇦🇬🇪🇺🇸🇬🇧🇻🇪🇹🇼 (@JonGudorf) August 31, 2024
Kicking off his U.S. tour at a Pennsylvania artillery shell factory, Zelensky expressed nothing but thanks to the troops on the ground—well, the workers at the factory, at least. His tweets about shaking hands and ramping up production might have been charming, but they are strikingly devoid of any talk on the economic strains those back home are facing. It seems appreciation only goes so far when the reality of constant conflict is eating away at Ukrainian families’ daily lives.
As this diplomatic dance unfolds, Zelensky is eager to showcase his plans to Biden. He suggests the next few weeks will not only decide the fate of Ukraine but will also carve out the legacy of leaders across the globe—heavy stuff for a Wednesday afternoon. His blueprint, which remains under wraps, reportedly hints at “quick and concrete steps” to fortify Ukraine’s military might while ensuring they can find a cozy spot in the world’s security architecture. Meanwhile, Moscow is making it crystal clear that a NATO endorsement for Ukraine to engage would be tantamount to throwing down the gauntlet.
The timing of Zelensky’s visit strikes a comedic note when one considers that Biden and Harris will be keeping their rhetoric about support for Ukraine just as fluffy as ever. Trump, on the other hand, has called for more accountability and transparency regarding the mountainous aid packages being funneled into Ukraine. The stark contrast between his criticisms and Harris’s adherence to Biden’s policies will make for a fascinating tête-à-tête on the sidelines of this international cheerleading festival.
Intent on using his time wisely, Zelensky hopes to not only charm Biden but also make his pitch to Congress, looking to secure the stakeholders he considers essential for Ukraine’s future. He even floated the idea of a second peace summit with Russia, which Moscow promptly scoffed at, insisting on one key condition: Ukraine must hand over four regions. While Zelensky is hopeful, many are left wondering if these elaborate plans are anything more than wishful thinking against the backdrop of relentless attacks.
In a world where rhetoric often overshadows action, the stakes are high, and the humor isn’t lost on the political chessboard that is shaping up with this visit. As the world waits to see just how these talks unfold, it’s clear that both Zelensky and Biden are engaged in a high-stakes poker game, where the ante is nothing short of national security.
