Zelenskyy's "Glory to Ukraine" inscription on US bombs in Pennsylvania stirs controversy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent visit to Pennsylvania has stirred significant controversy, raising questions about the intersection of foreign diplomacy and US electoral politics. 

During a tour aimed at bolstering support for Ukraine, Zelenskyy made headlines after signing munitions at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, a move that has elicited mixed reactions from both local residents and political leaders, Caliber.Az reports, citing Politico.

While at the plant, Zelenskyy inscribed messages of gratitude on US bombs, including the phrase “Glory to Ukraine.” Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, who was present during the signing, appeared supportive of the gesture. However, the sentiment was not universally welcomed.

Mark Kowalczyk, a local resident and board member of the Polish American Citizens Club, expressed concern over the implications of the act. “It made a lot of people mad locally,” Kowalczyk stated. “Because you’re signing bombs that could potentially kill innocent people. On either the Russia or Ukraine side. There’s innocent on both sides.”

The backlash against Zelenskyy’s visit was further amplified by political commentators and Republican leaders. Some Republican congressmen criticized the visit as a strategic misstep, interpreting it as election interference amid a contentious political climate. Reports indicate that Zelenskyy’s remarks about the Republican candidate for US vice president, whom he labeled as radical, only fueled this perception.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican figure, also condemned Zelenskyy's presence at the military plant, asserting that such actions could jeopardize Ukraine’s long-term objectives in its fight against Russia. “We need to ensure that incidents like this do not detract from the long-term goals of ensuring success for Ukraine,” Graham remarked.

By Khagan Isayev