As the United States gears up for the highly anticipated 2024 elections, an unsettling trend has emerged: Ukraine, once a focal point of international attention, finds itself increasingly sidelined on the campaign trail. For Ukrainians, this growing silence raises alarming questions about the future of their war-torn nation and the critical military aid they desperately need to defend against Russian aggression.
Partisan Divide Clouds Ukraine’s Prospects
The war in Ukraine has become a deeply partisan issue in the US, further complicating an already precarious situation. Ukrainian officials and civil society leaders, who have long sought to maintain strong ties with both Democrats and Republicans, now find themselves navigating a treacherous political landscape.
Particularly concerning are the comments made by JD Vance, Donald Trump’s vice-presidential candidate, who infamously stated in 2022:
“I gotta be honest with you, I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or another.”
Such sentiment from a potential future leader sends chills down the spines of Ukrainians fighting for their very survival.
Trump’s Dubious Claims of Swift Resolution
Adding to the unease are Trump’s assertions that he could end the war in a mere “24 hours,” presumably through a phone call to Vladimir Putin. While Ukrainians largely dismiss these claims as unrealistic, given Putin’s unwavering commitment to destroying Ukraine as a state, the prospect of a slowdown or cessation of US military assistance looms large.
Ukraine’s Diminishing Presence on the Campaign Trail
As the campaign progresses, Ukrainians are left wondering: where have the discussions about our plight gone? At rallies across battleground states, Ukraine is conspicuously absent from the rhetoric. JD Vance, speaking in Saginaw, Michigan, focused solely on the threat of Chinese electric vehicles to local jobs, while Kamala Harris, in Ann Arbor, called out Trump’s fascination with authoritarian leaders like Putin – but stopped short of directly addressing Ukraine’s dire situation.
Even more disheartening were Trump’s repeated declarations that he would not spend taxpayer money on wars “in countries you have never heard of and don’t want to hear of” – a sentiment met with resounding cheers from his supporters.
Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan: A Plea for Long-Range Missiles
Amid this growing uncertainty, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been tirelessly lobbying the West for his “victory plan,” which hinges on the US providing long-range missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia. Zelenskyy argues that this could not only turn the tide on the battlefield but also alleviate the immense burden shouldered by Ukrainian infantry.
Without these weapons, the Ukrainian army is forced to rely on exhausted footsoldiers, leaving them vulnerable and exposed. The fate of this plan, and the lives of countless Ukrainian soldiers, may very well depend on the outcome of the upcoming US elections.
A Fight for Global Peace and Security
As Americans head to the polls, Ukrainians implore them to remember that their fight is not just about Ukraine – it’s about upholding international order and ensuring peace and security across the globe. The servicemen I spoke with alongside American historian Timothy Snyder expressed pity that many Americans still fail to grasp the far-reaching implications of Ukraine’s struggle.
In the face of mounting anxiety, Ukrainians remain resolute. As one colleague poignantly remarked, “Whatever happens, on the morning of November 6th, life in Ukraine will go on.” But this does not mean the path ahead will be easy. Ukrainians have learned the hard way that worry is a luxury they cannot afford; instead, they must focus their energy on working tirelessly to avoid the worst-case scenario and fighting for what is right.
As the US elections draw near, the world watches with bated breath, knowing that the outcome could have profound consequences for Ukraine and the global order as we know it. Will Americans rise to the occasion and stand firmly with their Ukrainian allies, or will short-sighted political interests and isolationist tendencies prevail? The answer to this question may very well determine the fate of a nation and the future of peace in our time.
