Ukraine Anxious Over Biden’s Exit from Presidential Race Amid Ongoing Russian Invasion
From the capital city of Kyiv, Ukrainians watch anxiously as political shifts in the international landscape unfold. American President Joe Bidenโs recent decision to drop out of the looming presidential race has ignited uncertainty across Ukraine due to his ceaseless support to the nation, which has been critical in their ongoing standoff with Russia.
Bidenโs Legacy in Ukraine
Joe Bidenโs affiliation with Ukraine spans years. While serving as Vice President under Barack Obama, Biden visited Ukraine six times, establishing a strong rapport with Ukrainian leaders, specifically with then-President Petro Poroshenko. Even during his presidential term, Biden upheld his support to Ukraine, especially following Moscowโs full-scale invasion in 2022. He visited Kyiv in February 2023 to assure Poroshenkoโs successor, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of continued military and financial aid.
Zelenskyy hailed Bidenโs withdrawal from the upcoming elections as a โdifficult, but strong decision.โ The Ukrainian leader took to social media to express gratitude for Bidenโs relentless support for Ukraine, noting that their resilience has largely been fuelled by the bipartisan support they receive in the U.S.
Trump Reemerges as a Frontrunner: Uncertainties Abound
With Bidenโs departure, former President Donald Trump appears to be a frontrunner, leaving Ukrainians concerned over the future of American military aid and overall political backing, particularly as Russia continues to make steady gains on the battlefield.
Analysts point out that Trump may usher in talks about the war’s end, though the conditions of these discussions remain unclear. Notably, during a televised debate in June, Trump claimed heโd use his negotiation skills to resolve the conflict before taking office as the president should he be elected.
The uncertainty is also fuelled by the disparity in Ukraine policies among Republicans and Trumpโs unpredictable approach to decision-making. Though Trump’s running mate JD Vance has indicated indifference towards Ukraine, an opposing wing within the Republican Party, termed the โReaganitesโ, advocates for enhanced aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Role in the U.S. Election
Over half of Americans remain in firm approval of aiding Ukraine, making the issue of the Russia-Ukraine war a critical component of the U.S. presidential race. Bidenโs Vice President Kamala Harris, who is in the running for the presidency, could possibly increase aid to Ukraine as a means of boosting her approval ratings. However, according to Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, Ukraineโs former deputy chief of General Staff of Armed Forces, any action to increase aid must be swift and involve a significant portion of modern weaponry.
A Troubled History: Ukraineโs Role in American Politics
Ukraine has been a point of contention in American politics predating Russiaโs invasion. During the 2016 pro-Russian separatist unrest in Eastern Ukraine, Biden exerted pressure on Ukraine to dismiss their alleged corrupt Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin, even threatening to freezeย $1bn inย U.S. aid to Kyiv. The incidentย spiraled into unproven allegations over Bidenโs son, Hunter, who held a position on the board of a Ukrainian natural gas producer, Burisma.
As the American presidential race intensifies, uncertainty shrouds Ukraine. With Ukrainians terrified of losing American support under a Trump presidency, any outcome remains unpredictable. Amidst the uncertainty, however, there is hope that the international community will maintain its solidarity in standing with Ukraine.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
