Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on a diplomatic marathon, making stops in Washington, Ottawa, and other global capitals, as he seeks to bolster international support for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. The urgency of his diplomatic efforts comes at a time when Ukraine is facing an existential threat, and the international community appears increasingly divided on how to respond.
During his recent visit to Washington, Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Joe Biden and lawmakers, making a seminal plea for continued assistance. His warnings were dire: without sustained aid from the United States, Ukraine would lose its war against Russia according to Bloomberg. The visit was marked by a palpable sense of urgency, particularly in light of Russia’s military advances.
After his U.S. visit, Zelenskyy headed to Canada, a country home to about 1.4 million people of Ukrainian descent. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed Zelenskyy as he addressed the Canadian Parliament for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The visit aimed to solidify Canada’s support, which has already provided more than $8.9 billion Canadian (US$6.6 billion) in aid to Ukraine, wrote Hindustan Times.
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts are not just about securing financial aid; they are about rallying the international community at a time when global support seems to wane. His visits are marked by key meetings at different locations, including the White House, Congress, and the Pentagon.
The Ukrainian troops are struggling to reclaim territory that Russia gained over the past year. Their progress in the next month could be critical in garnering additional global support over the winter. Amid these challenges, Zelensky’s diplomatic push serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved, not just for Ukraine but for the international community at large, reports Watauga Democrat.
