Why is the Ukrainian President's surprise trip to the US so important?

Observers believe that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's surprise visit to the US is very significant because it comes at an important time for both countries.

Since Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine in late February, Mr. Zelensky has regularly received foreign leaders in the capital Kiev or called and talked with heads of state via video conference and visited Ukrainian soldiers in many areas across the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: AP

However, the unannounced trip to Washington on December 21 marked Mr. Zelensky’s first foreign trip since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out. The move highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s relationship with the United States and reinforced Washington’s role as Kiev’s bulwark in the conflict.

According to the BBC, so far, the US is the country that has provided the most direct military aid to Ukraine, with a total commitment value of nearly 20 billion USD, higher than any other country.

A US official told CNN that President Biden is expected to announce an additional $1.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine during Zelensky's visit to the White House. Washington plans to provide long-sought Patriot missile systems as well as kits to convert simple ammunition into "smart bombs" that can help Ukrainian soldiers target enemy defenses.

The decision reflects the US's adjustment of its aid policy in line with Russia's changing offensive strategy. Washington hopes that the Patriot systems can help Kiev better respond to large-scale Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.

The Biden administration has previously rejected Kiev's calls for the West to establish a no-fly zone over Ukrainian airspace, and has been cautious about transferring weapons to avoid escalating the conflict into a direct confrontation between the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Russia.

Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, said Mr. Zelensky's trip reflects a pivotal moment, when Washington's upgraded aid could decide Ukraine's fate in its confrontation with Russia, especially in the harsh winter.

Some analysts believe Mr. Zelensky's trip will also highlight Mr. Biden's foreign policy and role in restoring the Western alliance, which was severely fractured under his predecessor, Donald Trump.

In an interview with The Economist in November 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed skepticism about NATO's faltering position, describing the military alliance as "brain dead." However, the US and its NATO allies are currently coordinating closely in efforts to assist Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia.

According to observers, Mr. Zelensky's trip this time is also aimed at promoting the support of the US Congress for Ukraine. The move comes just before the time when Mr. Trump's Republican Party (GOP) will take over the leadership of the US House of Representatives in early 2023, which could make it difficult for Mr. Biden's agenda.

In fact, some GOP lawmakers have warned that billions of dollars in aid to Kiev would be subject to tighter controls, arguing that the money would be better spent on bolstering America’s southern border against a surge of illegal migrants.