Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is working to address a Republican backlash following his visit to the US this week. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the $8 billion US military aid package and the bipartisan support for Ukraine’s war effort. He praised both Republicans and Democrats, as well as Joe Biden and the American people, for their backing. However, former President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson reacted angrily, accusing Zelenskyy of favoring Democrats during his trip. This backlash has caused concern in Kyiv, where officials are worried about Ukraine’s deteriorating position in its conflict with Russia.
Trump criticized Zelenskyy for refusing negotiations with Russia and claimed that he had made negative comments about him. It is unlikely that Trump will meet with Zelenskyy during this visit. Johnson went so far as to demand the resignation of Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova over her organization of a visit by Zelenskyy to an armaments factory in Pennsylvania, where he was accompanied only by Democrats.
Zelenskyy had intended to present his plan for strengthening Ukraine’s military and diplomatic position to Biden, Trump, and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris during his visit. The $8 billion aid package unveiled by the White House falls short of what Zelenskyy needs from the US.
The Republican backlash has led to recriminations in Kyiv, with some officials admitting that going to Scranton was a mistake given the current political climate in the US. However, others defended Zelenskyy’s visit as necessary before funding provisions expire at the end of September.
while there is concern over how Republicans have reacted to Zelenksy’s trip, Ukrainian officials are determined not to let it derail their efforts or impact their relationship with key figures in Washington.
