AP: US election outcome poised to shape future of war in Ukraine

The upcoming US presidential election will undoubtedly influence the course of the Ukraine war, with military aid from Kyiv’s main international supporter hinging on the election outcome, as well as any potential ceasefire that could benefit Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials argue that their nation’s survival may depend on who wins the White House, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Associated Press (AP).

As Americans prepare to vote, Ukrainian forces are holding defensive lines against relentless Russian attacks, well aware that the election results could decide their future.

The war in Ukraine is proving one of the most contentious issues in the November 5 election, with Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump, and Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, adopting markedly different positions on US support for Ukraine.

Kyiv’s leadership has been actively promoting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's “victory plan” during a recent Western tour, hoping that the new US administration will make decisive moves, including supporting Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, voiced confidence that "regardless of the future US president's last name," American leadership on the global stage, essential for supporting Ukraine and defeating Russia, will endure.

Harris, a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “brutality,” is likely to maintain President Joe Biden’s current policy of aid, though Kyiv has expressed frustration with American-imposed restrictions on Ukraine’s capacity to target Russian territory.

“President Biden has prioritised avoiding an all-out war with Russia from the outset. I believe this remains the top American priority,” said Malcom Chalmers, deputy director-general at London’s Royal United Services Institute.

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the US has supplied Ukraine with more than $59.5 billion in military aid. However, Kyiv’s battlefield capabilities have been constrained by American political debates, delaying both weapon deliveries and critical support.

Weapon stock shortages and delayed aid, including a six-month wait for a Congressional aid package, have seen Ukraine cede territory and manpower. Although further aid packages are now promised, Kyiv still seeks Western consent to use long-range weapons on Russian soil. Recently, Ukraine made advances into Russia’s Kursk region, holding hundreds of square kilometres following an August incursion.

Despite Kyiv’s frustrations, Biden has consistently pledged support. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced a $400 million package, while Zelenskyy anticipates another $800 million to support Ukraine’s long-range production, with an additional $8 billion expected by year-end. But for some in Ukraine, these efforts feel insufficient.

“If all the promised aid had been delivered, we could have entered negotiations from a stronger position with Russia,” said General Lieutenant Ihor Romanenko, former deputy chief of the General Staff.

By Aghakazim Guliyev