Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in the midst of an urgent effort to bolster support in Washington and other Western governments. Zelensky met with Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday and is set to meet with House and Senate leaders on Friday. Zelensky is also expected to meet with President Donald Trump next week.
Zelensky’s goals in Washington are to secure greater, more reliable military assistance and diplomatic support from the United States and other Western countries. This includes increased economic aid, stronger sanctions against Russia, and more robust defense closer to the frontlines. Zelensky is also hoping to secure greater moral and political support for his reform initiatives and fight against corruption.
The current diplomatic effort comes at a critical time for Ukraine, which is heavily engaged in a conflict with Russian-backed separatists. Increased assistance from the US and other Western countries could strengthen Ukraine’s ability to repel the separatists’ advances and help the country secure its sovereignty.