US Presidential Election: Zelensky Warns of "Challenge" for Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken of the challenges Ukraine faces in the event of a Republican victory in the upcoming US presidential election. In an interview with French media, including AFP, Zelensky highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the continued support of the United States, a vital ally since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The United States has provided tens of billions of dollars in military assistance to Ukraine, with a significant portion coming from President Joe Biden’s administration. However, Republican candidate Donald Trump has claimed that he would be able to force a negotiated settlement between Russia and Ukraine, raising questions about the continued support of the United States.
Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine cannot influence the outcome of the election, but emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with both the Trump and Biden campaigns. "As president of Ukraine, I must have a dialogue between my team and the Biden, Trump, and today Harris teams," he said.
Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has echoed President Biden’s pro-Ukraine stance, underscoring the commitment of the Democratic party to continued support for Ukraine. Zelensky’s team has been in touch with both Harris’s aides and the Trump campaign, seeking to understand what the future may hold for Ukraine, regardless of the election outcome.
With the presidential election just around the corner, Zelensky’s warning serves as a reminder of the critical importance of the US-Ukraine relationship and the uncertainty that surrounds it.
