With less than two months remaining before the U.S. presidential election, President Joe Biden has expressed his determination to finish his term in the White House, even if former President Donald Trump wins the upcoming vote. According to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Biden plans to use the remainder of his presidency to further bolster Ukraine’s defense, AFP a report.
Biden is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month. This meeting comes as international discussions continue about the future of support for Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression for more than two years.
A Trump Victory Could Change the Game for Kyiv
If Republican candidate Donald Trump wins the presidential election in November, it could significantly shift the dynamics for Ukraine. Trump’s aides have already hinted that a future administration might leverage U.S. military aid to pressure Kyiv into making territorial concessions to Russia in order to end the war.
Jake Sullivan emphasized that Ukraine needs to remain strong in any potential negotiations. “President Zelensky has said that ultimately this war will have to end through negotiations, and we need to make sure Ukraine is strong when those negotiations happen,” Sullivan stated during the Yalta European Strategy conference organized by Ukrainian businessman Viktor Pinchuk.
Situation on the Frontlines and Ukraine’s Challenges
Ukraine’s army continues to face fierce battles on the eastern front, where Russian forces are advancing in key areas. Sullivan expressed particular concern over the situation near the city of Pokrovsk, which has been under heavy attack by Russian forces in recent weeks. Enemy troops are less than 10 kilometers from a vital transport hub, posing a serious threat to Ukrainian defenses.
Sullivan reaffirmed Biden’s commitment to ensuring that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position. “President Biden has four more months in office, and he is determined to use them to put Ukraine in the best possible position for victory,” he said.
Logistical Hurdles in Military Aid Deliveries
While Ukrainian leaders have frequently criticized delays in Western, especially American, military aid, Sullivan reassured that the issue is due to logistical challenges rather than a lack of political will. “It’s not a matter of will; it’s a matter of complex logistics to get this equipment to the front lines,” he explained, agreeing with Zelensky that more must be done.
The U.S. also fears renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants, which play a critical role in the country’s energy production. Sullivan stressed the importance of helping Ukraine protect these vital facilities, calling it a top priority for the U.S. administration.
