Zelensky’s remarks in a New Yorker interview, where he suggested Donald Trump "doesn't really know how to stop the war" and called Trump’s running mate JD Vance "too radical," antagonized senior Republicans. According to Mariya Zolkina, a Ukrainian political analyst and fellow at the London School of Economics (LSE), these comments were a "big mistake."
Zelensky’s visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition factory with top Democrats was also criticized as "election interference" by a senior congressional Republican, further complicating his efforts. Zelensky’s team, typically known for polished PR, was reportedly surprised by the backlash.
The visit was timed to secure vital support from President Joe Biden, who has limited time left in office. However, it also thrust Zelensky into a highly charged US election season, forcing him to navigate the political landscape carefully.
Although reports suggested Trump initially avoided Zelensky, the two eventually met at Trump Tower in New York. The encounter was at times awkward, with Trump emphasizing his good relations with both Zelensky and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, a comparison uncomfortable for Ukrainians. Zelensky attempted to clarify that his relationship with Trump should be stronger than with Putin, but Trump deflected the remark.
Trump, who had been praising Russia’s military record at rallies, criticized the US government for providing billions to Zelensky and accused the Ukrainian leader of refusing to make a peace deal. Zelensky later described their talks as "very productive," but Trump’s stance seemed unchanged. At a Michigan rally, Trump reiterated his intention to quickly "settle" the war, leading to concerns he might reduce aid to Ukraine and push for territorial concessions.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized any peace deals that would require Ukraine to cede land, a thinly veiled critique of Trump’s stance. Harris made the comments while standing alongside Zelensky, who had a packed schedule of diplomatic meetings, including at the United Nations.
Zelensky met with Biden at the White House, where he submitted his "victory plan" to end the war. While the details remain unpublished, it’s widely believed to include requests to use Western-made long-range missiles against targets deep inside Russia, a move Western allies have so far hesitated to approve. Another key element is Ukraine’s plea for stronger security guarantees, including NATO membership. However, while NATO supports Ukraine’s future membership, it won’t happen while the war continues.
Despite a recent Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, Moscow’s forces remain on the offensive in Ukraine’s east. Zelensky’s "victory plan" aims to bolster Ukraine’s military position and push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward a diplomatic resolution.
However, Zolkina believes the proposals fell short of generating much enthusiasm. She notes that while Ukraine is pushing to strengthen its ambitions, the US isn’t yet prepared to support key requests like NATO membership or the use of long-range missiles. Critics of Biden accuse him of hesitating, potentially to boost Harris’s chances in the upcoming election. Despite nuclear threats from Putin, there’s still hope that Western allies might eventually approve Zelensky’s requests.
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