Harris Commits to Supporting Ukraine, Subtly Critiques Trump

By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her support for Ukraine on Thursday and subtly criticized her election rival, Donald Trump, by stating that those suggesting Ukraine should trade land for peace with Russia were endorsing "proposals of surrender."

Harris made her remarks alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House, just one day after Trump criticized Zelenskiy for not reaching a deal with Russia that, in Trump’s view, could have brought an end to the ongoing war.

The vice president emphasized her commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s success in the conflict, which has now entered its third year, and achieving a fair peace. In her comments, she pointed fingers at former President Trump, her Republican opponent in the upcoming election, without explicitly naming him.

Trump indicated he would meet with Zelenskiy on Friday morning at his New York City residence. The two leaders have spoken by phone since Trump’s presidency ended in 2021 but have not met in person.

Harris remarked that there are individuals in the United States who would pressure Ukraine to relinquish significant territory and forsake its security ties with other countries. She articulated that “these proposals align with those of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Let us be clear, they do not represent peace; rather, they signify surrender, which is dangerous and unacceptable."

Trump has described U.S. financial aid to Ukraine as a misuse of funds and has been hesitant to clarify whether he supports Ukraine’s victory.

Earlier this week, Trump stated that the U.S. is providing "billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal: Zelenskiy," adding that any negotiated settlement would have been preferable to the current devastating situation faced by Ukraine.