Thursday's meeting at the White House was symbolically important for both Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The two wanted to show complete unity at a joint press conference after the meeting at the White House, which is believed to have dealt with the Russian invasion war in Ukraine – and the tough and polarizing political struggle raging in Washington.
We have now met seven times, that's seven times, right? wondered President Zelenskyj and turned to Harris, who nodded in agreement.
Earlier, Harris had declared that the US support for Ukraine was unwavering, that Washington stands firm that no agreements can be made without Kiev's consent, and that the Russian invasion war can end tomorrow – if Russia withdraws all its forces from Ukrainian territory.
Harris also chose to take on the role of presidential candidate. She accused opponent Donald Trump of pursuing a policy where Ukraine should "give up" to Russia.
New Support Funds
Zelenskyj, in turn, had explained his "peace plan" and thanked for new American support of eight billion dollars, approximately 80 billion kronor, to Ukraine's military.
In election times, leading Republicans chose to turn their backs on Zelenskyj. The powerful Speaker of the House of Representatives, Republican Mike Johnson, declined a meeting with Zelenskyj and thereby actively supported Trump's criticism of how Kiev has handled itself towards Moscow.
Late on Thursday, Trump himself announced that he intends to meet Zelenskyj on Friday.
Until the presidential change in January, President Biden remains the one who sets the direction of the US foreign policy.
Ukraine will win, and we will continue to stand by your side all the way, said Biden after the meeting with Zelenskyj.
Silent on Long-Range Weapons
Ukraine's president, however, had to leave the White House without the answer he had hoped for: to be allowed to use donated weapons to attack targets deep within Russian territory.
I don't think there will be any new announcements on this issue, said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre in connection with the meeting.
