Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the United States, centered around addressing the UN General Assembly, had significant layers beyond mere diplomatic formality. The war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022 with a widespread expectation of a swift Russian victory, has instead stretched into a prolonged conflict now measured in years. Zelensky’s visit came at a pivotal moment not only for Ukraine but also for the shifting dynamics of US domestic politics and the global order.

As a former comedian and actor, Zelensky has consistently demonstrated his mastery of communication. This US visit was no exception. He targeted three critical audiences: the American public, the international community, and US political leadership. In doing so, Zelensky crafted messages aimed at ensuring continued support for Ukraine while navigating the complex intersections of domestic and international politics.

Zelensky’s first stop was in Pennsylvania, a battleground state in US politics. Pennsylvania’s significance was not lost on Zelensky or on US political observers. In 2020, Joe Biden narrowly won the state by 80,000 votes, and it remains crucial for the upcoming presidential election. With a population that includes about 800,000 Ukrainian Americans, Zelensky’s visit to a munitions manufacturing plant in the state, while ostensibly about thanking workers for producing artillery rounds for Ukraine’s military, had clear political implications.

This visit, particularly its timing and location, sparked debate in the US political sphere. Kamala Harris has already launched television ads in Pennsylvania, emphasizing her support for Ukraine, while Donald Trump has been increasingly critical of the massive US aid packages sent to Ukraine. Zelensky’s presence in Pennsylvania thus felt like an indirect endorsement of Biden’s and Harris’s Ukraine policies-whether intentional or not.

For Zelensky, engaging with the American public is a critical element of his strategy. While US leaders may shape foreign policy, public opinion drives its sustainability. As the war grinds on, there are growing concerns within the US electorate about the scope and cost of American support for Ukraine. By visiting a swing state like Pennsylvania, Zelensky implicitly reminded the American public of the stakes in Ukraine and of the shared values between the two nations. However, the subtle political overtones of his visit also opened him up to criticism from those wary of foreign leaders influencing domestic US politics, particularly with an election only weeks away.

At the heart of Zelensky’s trip was his impassioned speech to the UN General Assembly. Speaking before an international audience, Zelensky outlined Russia’s continued violations of the UN Charter and pushed forward his 10-point Peace Formula. This proposal addresses crucial issues such as respect for Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty, nuclear safety, global food security, and accountability for Russian war crimes.

Zelensky’s speech was a direct plea to the international community to not just condemn Russia but to actively support Ukraine’s peace efforts. His Peace Formula stands out as the only concrete diplomatic proposal on the table, highlighting Ukraine’s proactive approach in the international diplomatic arena. Zelensky’s challenge in addressing the General Assembly, however, goes beyond just rallying traditional Western allies.

A significant portion of his outreach in New York was directed at leaders from the Global South. These nations, many of whom abstained or voted against condemning Russia in a UN vote in March 2022, often view the war in Ukraine as a proxy conflict between the West and Russia rather than as a war of Ukrainian survival. Convincing these nations to shift their stance is crucial for Ukraine’s diplomatic success.

Countries in the Global South, many of which are grappling with economic crises, see the war through a pragmatic lens, often viewing their relationships with Russia as more beneficial than risking alignment with Western sanctions. Zelensky’s task is to persuade these nations that Ukraine’s fight is not a battleground for global powers but a fundamental struggle for national survival. If he can shift this narrative, even slightly, it could tip the balance of global opinion and reshape international responses to the conflict.

Perhaps the most consequential aspect of Zelensky’s visit was his final stop in Washington, DC, where he met with President Joe Biden at the White House. For Zelensky, the main objective was clear: to reinforce the importance of sustained US military and economic support. The war has dragged on longer than many predicted, and with the US election looming, there are rising concerns about future American commitments to Ukraine.

Zelensky’s visit provided him an opportunity to present his “victory plan” to Biden-though few details have been publicly revealed. One of the key elements discussed, however, was Zelensky’s request for the US to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against military targets in Russia. Currently, Biden has hesitated to provide Ukraine with these capabilities, concerned about the potential for escalation. Yet, from Ukraine’s perspective, this caution has allowed Russia to launch air raids on Ukrainian cities from its own territory with near impunity.

Military experts are divided on this issue. Some argue that allowing Ukraine to strike Russian airbases would shift the balance of power in the war, while others caution that such a move could lead to a broader confrontation between Russia and NATO. Whether Biden agrees to Zelensky’s request remains unclear, but what is certain is that the stakes are rising.

One of the significant outcomes of the Washington meeting was the announcement of a substantial new aid package for Ukraine. Additionally, Biden will convene a meeting in Germany next month with leaders from about 50 countries to discuss and coordinate more military assistance for Ukraine. Notably, Biden himself will chair this meeting, underscoring the administration’s elevated focus on Ukraine’s war effort. This shift, from allowing the Secretary of Defense to chair such meetings to the direct involvement of the president, signals a deepening US commitment.

A subtle but important shift also emerged in the rhetoric coming from the White House. The Biden administration’s previous stance of supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes” has evolved into a promise to provide “the support Ukraine needs to win this war.” This change in language may indicate a more focused commitment to Ukraine’s victory rather than a prolonged stalemate. Whether this rhetoric translates into more decisive action, however, remains to be seen.

While Zelensky’s visit yielded concrete support and bolstered Ukraine’s position internationally, Ukraine’s future hinges significantly on US domestic politics. The 2024 presidential election could dramatically shift the trajectory of American support. Donald Trump’s skepticism about continued aid and his suggestion that Ukraine may need to cede territory in any peace negotiations stand in stark contrast to Biden’s approach. On the Democratic side, Kamala Harris, should she become the candidate, has yet to articulate a detailed strategy on Ukraine.

As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, Zelensky’s US visit highlights the delicate balancing act of navigating domestic, international, and military concerns. Despite recent battlefield successes, including in Kursk, Ukraine’s struggle remains far from over. Without significant changes in US or global strategy, 2025 could mark a year of heightened challenges for Kyiv as it faces the evolving realities of the war and international politics.

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