Vice President Kamala Harris attended an international gathering in Switzerland to show America’s support for Ukraine and global efforts for peace. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was condemned by Harris, who announced $1.5 billion in U.S. assistance for various needs in Ukraine. She emphasized that Russia’s aggression goes against international rules and norms. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for achieving a “real peace” through global cooperation. President Joe Biden chose not to attend the summit, opting to focus on domestic demands, highlighting Harris’ growing profile in foreign affairs and the 2024 campaign.
While Zelenskyy had urged world leaders to participate in the meeting, Biden decided to send Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan instead. Critics believed that skipping the summit was a missed opportunity, but noted that sending Harris was not a downgrade. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of achieving a just peace and ending the war, calling on the gathered leaders to work towards these goals. Harris reiterated America’s support for Ukraine and dismissed Putin’s proposals for a cease-fire as a call for surrender.
Biden has increasingly relied on Harris to engage with voters, especially as he aims to win a second term. Harris has played a more prominent role in rallying the Democratic base, but like Biden, she has faced a decline in public approval. The Trump campaign criticized Harris’ role in Switzerland, suggesting that a vote for Biden is ultimately a vote for Harris becoming president. Despite not being invited to the summit, Putin offered a cease-fire proposal that Ukraine deemed manipulative and absurd.
In recent weeks, Biden has made significant announcements to support Ukraine, including a $50 billion loan package from G7 leaders and a security agreement signed with Zelenskyy. Additional military aid, such as Patriot missile systems and the easing of restrictions on the use of American weaponry against Russia, have been approved by Biden to help Ukraine defend itself. Despite Biden’s absence from the Ukraine meeting, his support and actions to bolster Ukraine have been notable and significant.
