Kamala Harris Condemns Trump’s Push for Ukraine to Cede Territory Amid Ongoing War
Vice President Kamala Harris firmly rejected calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia as a solution to the ongoing war, denouncing such proposals as “dangerous and unacceptable.” Harris made these remarks during a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding to suggestions made by Republican candidate Donald Trump that Ukraine should consider territorial concessions in exchange for peace.
Harris Criticizes Trump’s Stance on Ukraine
Harris’s sharp rebuke targeted Trump’s push for a swift resolution to the war, which the former president has frequently framed as a failure of leadership by both Zelenskyy and President Joe Biden. Harris stated, “They are not proposals for peace. Instead, they are proposals for surrender.”
The vice president’s comments come at a critical time as support for Ukraine becomes increasingly partisan within the U.S. Ahead of the upcoming election, Harris underscored the broader stakes, noting that abandoning Ukraine could embolden other aggressive powers.
Trump Defends Call for Peace Talks
In response to Harris’s criticisms, Trump defended his call for Ukraine to cut a deal, arguing that it’s the only way to end the conflict. He also confirmed meeting with Zelenskyy in New York, though tensions have been brewing between the two leaders. Trump has criticized the ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine, describing it as a “horror show” and asserting that peace should be prioritized.
When asked whether Ukraine should give up territory, Trump responded noncommittally: “We’ll see what happens,” adding, “we need peace.” His stance echoes previous statements in which he criticized the U.S. role in supporting Ukraine and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Biden and Zelenskyy Strengthen U.S.-Ukraine Alliance
In contrast to Trump’s approach, Biden announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine, including Patriot missile defense systems and advanced weaponry. The president reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to Ukraine: “We stand with Ukraine, now and in the future. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail.”
During his Washington visit, Zelenskyy sought to secure more advanced weapons, including long-range missiles that could hit Russian targets deep within its territory. However, there was no immediate movement on lifting the restrictions on such weaponry.
Partisan Divide on Ukraine
The war in Ukraine, once a unifying issue in Washington, has increasingly become a source of partisan division. A Pew Research Center poll from July shows that two-thirds of Democrats believe the U.S. has a responsibility to aid Ukraine, compared to only one-third of Republicans.
This divide is also reflected in the electorate’s trust in handling the conflict. An August AP-NORC poll found that about one-third of Americans trusted Harris more on the issue, with a similar percentage backing Trump.
Bipartisan Support Still Exists on Capitol Hill
Despite the growing divide, Zelenskyy found bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, meeting with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham voiced support for supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons, asserting that they would improve Kyiv’s negotiating position. This bipartisan support is crucial for Ukraine’s defense strategy and demonstrates a united front in the face of Russian aggression.
However, administration officials remain skeptical about expanding the types of weapons provided, wary of escalating the conflict. Zelenskyy, reportedly frustrated, continued to push for more assistance, particularly ahead of Russia’s anticipated escalation in attacks before winter.
Trump’s Tensions with Zelenskyy
Trump’s relationship with Zelenskyy remains complicated. Trump recently criticized Zelenskyy for rejecting his suggestion that Ukraine give up some territory to end the war. The tension escalated when Trump posted a purported private message from Zelenskyy asking to meet, which Ukrainian officials have not confirmed.
This friction adds to the concerns that Trump, if reelected, may reduce U.S. military support for Ukraine or impose conditions that could undermine Kyiv’s efforts. Aware of these risks, Zelenskyy is carefully navigating his relationship with U.S. political figures.
The Future of U.S. Policy on Ukraine
As the U.S. moves toward the 2024 election, the fate of American support for Ukraine hangs in the balance. Harris and Biden remain steadfast in their commitment to helping Ukraine defend itself. At the same time, Trump’s rhetoric suggests a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, a development that should keep all those interested in international relations and U.S. foreign policy on high alert.
Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, commented that while Trump is not wrong in advocating for a negotiated end to the war, his approach could undermine Ukraine by giving Putin an advantage. If Trump’s approach were to be implemented, it could potentially lead to a situation where Ukraine is left vulnerable to further Russian aggression. “Where Trump goes off course, and where Biden and Harris have a much stronger argument, is that we get to that point not by throwing Ukraine under the bus but by giving them sufficient support so they can block further Russian aggression,” Kupchan said.
As Ukraine continues to rely on U.S. aid, its leaders must prepare for the possibility that America’s next president could reshape the future of the war.