In a highly contentious debate, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris clashed on various issues, including foreign policy, especially regarding the war in Ukraine. Harris criticized Trump for his past remarks on Russia and President Putin, suggesting that dictators and autocrats were rooting for him to become president again. She emphasized the importance of American military support for Ukraine, crediting it for the country’s sovereignty. She also criticized Trump’s previous comments on Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
Trump, on the other hand, criticized President Biden’s handling of the war in Ukraine and claimed that under his leadership, Russia would never have launched a full-scale invasion. He expressed confidence in his ability to negotiate peace between Kyiv and Moscow, highlighting his relationships with both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky. He also questioned the financial commitment of European allies in supporting Ukraine militarily and suggested that the US was shouldering a disproportionate burden.
During the debate, Trump made various claims, including one about the death toll in the Ukraine war, stating that millions had died. However, official estimates contradict this, with reports indicating a much lower number of casualties. Trump also falsely claimed that Harris had met with Putin before the invasion to negotiate peace, a claim that Harris refuted. Additionally, Trump reiterated allegations against President Biden and his son Hunter regarding business dealings in Ukraine and Russia, citing a report that suggested Hunter had received a payment from the wife of the former Mayor of Moscow.
The debate highlighted the deep divides between the two candidates on foreign policy issues, with Trump emphasizing his personal relationships with Putin and Zelensky as key to resolving the conflict in Ukraine, while Harris focused on the importance of American military support for Ukraine. The accusations and fact-checks during the debate underscored the intense rhetoric and contentious nature of the US presidential election. Trump’s repeated claims and allegations against Biden and his family added to the heated atmosphere of the debate. Overall, the debate showcased the contrasting views of the candidates on key foreign policy issues and their strategies for addressing the war in Ukraine.
