Harris Criticizes Trump’s Ukraine Policy as Zelensky Visits White House;
WASHINGTON (AFP):
Kamala Harris on Thursday condemned Donald Trump’s approach to Ukraine, labeling it a “surrender” policy to Russia. During her remarks alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Harris assured him of her continued support.
Zelensky also met with President Joe Biden to discuss his “victory plan,” while the White House announced a new military aid package of nearly $8 billion for Ukraine, which is enduring its third year of conflict following Russia's invasion.
Zelensky's visit highlighted the escalating tensions between Republican candidate Trump and the current administration, raising concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine amid the approaching November election. While Harris refrained from naming Trump directly, she criticized proposals that would force Ukraine to concede territory or adopt a neutral stance, likening them to those of President Vladimir Putin. “These are not proposals for peace; they are proposals for surrender,” she stated.
In their Oval Office meeting, Biden assured Zelensky that “Russia will not prevail” in the ongoing war. He emphasized continued U.S. support, expressing confidence that Ukraine would ultimately succeed.
Zelensky, clad in his familiar military attire, expressed gratitude for the alliance between Ukraine and the U.S. As Biden sought to secure aid ahead of the election, he confirmed nearly $8 billion in military assistance, with $5.5 billion set to be approved before the end of the fiscal year.
Biden announced that the U.S. would provide Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) to Ukraine and mentioned an upcoming summit of allies in Germany. However, the White House tempered expectations for Zelensky's long-standing request for authorization to strike Russian territory with long-range missiles, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating that no new decisions were anticipated from the meeting.
Zelensky also addressed Congress and delivered a determined speech at the UN General Assembly, seeking to bolster support for Ukraine's efforts. However, his visit has incited renewed threats from Moscow, with Putin announcing plans to revise rules on nuclear weapon use in response to perceived air attacks.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Putin's nuclear threats as “totally irresponsible,” while EU officials criticized the Russian leader's dangerous rhetoric.
As the conflict enters a challenging phase for Ukraine, with Russian forces making advances in the east, the outcome of the U.S. presidential election looms large over future aid. Trump, who was supposed to meet Zelensky during his visit, has instead focused on criticizing both Zelensky and U.S. support for Ukraine. He previously called the Ukrainian leader “probably the greatest salesman on Earth” at a recent rally.
Tensions flared further among Republicans after Zelensky's visit to an arms factory in Pennsylvania, with House Speaker Mike Johnson calling for the Ukrainian ambassador's dismissal. Trump has echoed some of Putin’s narratives about past U.S. policies contributing to the invasion, and he has consistently questioned Zelensky’s approach.
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