The 2024 Presidential Election and Uncertainty Regarding Ukraine
US Vice President Harris and Ukrainian President Zelensky meet in the White House on Sept. 26, 2024, to discuss Harris’s potential policy regarding the Russo-Ukrainian War (Photo: NYT/Erin Schaff)
On Sept. 24, President Joe Biden addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, discussing his decision not to run for re-election and reaffirming his foreign policy views. He reflected on his experiences in international politics, which began when he was elected as a US senator in 1972. One current international event he focused on during his speech was the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. He posed a question to UN members, asking whether they would sustain the support “to help Ukraine win this war and preserve its freedom” or change course and let “a nation be destroyed.” Biden then reaffirmed his stance, stating that the world must support Ukraine until a durable peace is achieved.
Biden’s choice not to run for re-election has cast uncertainty over US involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Due to the uncertainty, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to meet with both candidates for the US presidency: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, Zelensky met with Harris at the White House to discuss her view of the Russo-Ukrainian War. During the meeting, Harris stated that she would “ensure Ukraine prevails in this war.” She emphasized the need for continued US involvement in international affairs, declaring that “isolation is not insulation.” If elected, Harris plans to continue Biden’s support for Ukraine, viewing it as an indication of upholding democracy and the legacy of the US’s resistance against aggressors like Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, she remarked that Trump would prefer Ukraine surrender part of its land to Russia rather than continue fighting for its independence. Later on Thursday night, in response to this claim, Mr. Trump defended his strategy by stating that his goal is to save lives.
Trump and Zelensky meet at Trump Tower on Sept. 27, 2024, to discuss Trump’s potential policy regarding the Russo-Ukrainian War (Photo: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
On Friday, Sept. 27, Zelensky met with Trump at Trump Tower in New York City to discuss the former president’s views on the Russo-Ukrainian War. Trump stated that if elected, he would “work very much with both parties” to settle the conflict. He added that he had “a very good relationship” with Putin and would “get it resolved very quickly.” The meeting between Zelensky and Trump is part of their complicated relationship. In 2019, Trump was impeached over accusations that he pressured Zelensky to find damaging information on the Biden family, which could have affected the outcome of the 2020 US presidential election.
Despite uncertainty about the next US president, Ukraine must continue fighting against Russia. Overall, Zelensky is focused on strengthening his relationships with the two main contenders for the 2024 US presidential election. Zelensky had not declared support for either candidate, instead working to secure aid for his country regardless of the election’s outcome.
If Harris wins the election, Biden’s policies regarding Ukraine will likely continue under her administration. If Trump wins, the country might deviate from its current policy toward Ukraine. Zelensky commented that until November, no one will know who the future president will be and that only Americans can decide.