Did Ukrainian President Zelensky miscalculate by relying on the US Republican Party?
(Baonghean.vn) - Foreign Policy publication said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky miscalculated when relying on support from Republicans in the US Congress.
RT quoted an analysis from Foreign Policy saying that President Joe Biden's administration has included military aid to Ukraine in the same package as Taiwan and Israel. This has caused headaches for the White House and turned the situation into a political conflict within the US.
Democrats say that by blocking funding to Kiev, Republicans are giving Russian President Vladimir Putin “the biggest Christmas present ever.” But for Republicans, America’s borders are more important. So even President Zelensky’s visit to Washington failed to convince them to provide aid to Ukraine.
In addition, some Republicans are unhappy with the current interaction between Ukraine and the US Congress. Foreign Policy commented that it seems that Mr. Zelensky's supporters in Washington believe that if he gives the "right" speech and in the most convincing way, the Republicans can be convinced and will speed up the approval of the funding package.
According to Foreign Policy, Kiev's desire to continue receiving support from the US is understandable, but the Republican Party does not want this, especially in the context of the US facing a border crisis. When the attention of lawmakers is focused on the US southern border, Mr. Zelensky's coming to Washington to ask for aid only makes the situation worse. Therefore, Mr. Zelensky almost "empty-handed" left the US.
The Biden administration has repeatedly asked senior Ukrainian officials to stop communicating with Republicans in Congress to avoid future political pressure, according to the source. The White House has asked President Zelensky to stop video calls with Capitol Hill. The Biden administration has also blocked other efforts by congressional leaders to establish regular contact with senior Ukrainian officials.
Foreign Policy added that the number of people who do not support Ukraine in the Republican Party is increasing, while the pro-Ukraine faction is decreasing. However, the power in the Republic still belongs to the pro-Ukraine group.
However, this could change in 2024, if Donald Trump and his associates return. At that time, the approach to Russia and Ukraine within the Republican Party will change more clearly.
