On September 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived late to his speech at the National Archives in Washington. The event was supposed to be the highlight of his visit and an opportunity to rally support against Russia. However, his meetings at the White House and the Pentagon caused significant delays, leaving him looking distant and agitated during his speech.
Zelensky later explained that his exhaustion stemmed not only from the demands of leadership during wartime but also from the ongoing need to convince his allies that Ukraine can win. The war has been ongoing for twenty months, with a fifth of Ukraine’s territory still under Russian occupation. As the global interest in the war wanes, so does the level of international support. Zelensky expressed concern that the world is becoming accustomed to the conflict and losing interest in Ukraine’s struggle.
Public support for aid to Ukraine has been declining in the United States, and Zelensky’s visit did little to revive it. Only 41% of Americans now want Congress to provide more weapons to Kyiv, down from 65% in June. Additionally, Zelensky feels betrayed by his Western allies, who have left him with the means to survive the war but not win it.
Despite these setbacks, Zelensky remains convinced that Ukraine will ultimately emerge victorious. This unwavering belief worries some of his advisors, who feel that it hampers their ability to develop new strategies and messages. The possibility of negotiating a peace deal with Russia remains taboo, as most Ukrainians would reject such a move.
Zelensky is determined to win the war on Ukrainian terms and is shifting tactics to achieve this goal. Ukraine has increased its production of drones and missiles to attack Russian supply routes and command centers. The Russians have responded with more bombings and missile strikes. Zelensky fears that if Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, the conflict will spread beyond its borders and potentially ignite a third world war.
During Zelensky’s previous visit to Washington, he received a hero’s welcome, with numerous standing ovations during his speech to Congress. However, this time around, the atmosphere was different. Assistance to Ukraine had become a contentious issue in the federal budget debate. Congressional leaders did not allow Zelensky to deliver a public address on Capitol Hill, and his aides’ attempts to arrange media appearances fell through.
During a closed-door meeting with lawmakers, Zelensky faced questions about the state of the war and Ukraine’s need for U.S. support. The Democrats were particularly interested in understanding the war’s trajectory and its impact on Ukraine. Despite the challenges, Zelensky remains committed to his cause and determined to secure victory for Ukraine.
