Russian President Vladimir Putin made a joke when he suggested that Moscow was supporting Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov clarified that Putin has a good sense of humor and often jokes during his statements and interviews. Lavrov also mentioned that there would be no long-term differences in Russia’s attitude towards the current or previous elections in the United States, as he believes the country is controlled by the ‘deep state.’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to travel to the United States to present Kyiv’s “victory plan” in the war against Russia. Zelenskyy hopes to meet with former President Donald Trump during his visit, along with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in separate meetings on September 26. Zelenskyy described the plan as a blueprint for ending Russia’s war through diplomatic means and will seek support from key allies in implementing it from October to December of this year.
At a critical point in the war, Zelenskyy is seeking to strengthen Ukraine with additional weapons, military, economic, and diplomatic support from the U.S., their key ally. Zelenskyy is expected to ask Washington to lift restrictions on long-range missile strikes inside Russia as Russian forces continue to advance slowly in eastern Ukraine. Despite Kyiv’s troops launching a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, Russian aggression persists, and Zelenskyy believes that freezing the war is not an option.
Zelenskyy expressed his desire to meet with Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, during his visit to the United States. While Trump and Zelenskyy previously spoke over the phone in July, they have not met in person since Trump’s tenure as president. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of quick decisions by key allies to pressure Russia diplomatically and bring an end to the war. He will present his plan to Biden, Harris, and Trump as part of his efforts to seek support and collaboration in resolving the ongoing conflict.
Lavrov’s comments regarding Putin’s joke were published on the foreign ministry website, clarifying that Putin often jokes during his public appearances. Lavrov stated that there would be no significant changes in Russia’s foreign policy regardless of the outcome of the U.S. election, as he believes the country is controlled by the ‘deep state.’ Despite the playful nature of Putin’s comment regarding supporting Kamala Harris, the situation remains tense between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine as the conflict in eastern Ukraine persists.
Zelenskyy’s trip to the U.S. highlights Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and the efforts to seek support from key allies to bring an end to the conflict. The Ukrainian leader will present his plan for achieving a diplomatic resolution to the war, emphasizing the need for increased support from the U.S. and other allies. Zelenskyy’s meetings with Biden, Harris, and potentially Trump underscore the importance of international collaboration in addressing the crisis in eastern Ukraine and working towards a lasting peace in the region.
