Zelensky's Visit to the US: A Crucial Meeting Amid the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Amid the thick smoke of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a piece of news has drawn widespread attention from the international community: At the invitation of Joe Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the US on December 12th. This visit is undoubtedly a crucial juncture in this complex international situation, carrying many expectations as well as uncertainties.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been going on for quite a long time, and Ukraine has been struggling arduously in the quagmire of war. The depletion of its military equipment, the economic pressure it bears, and the plight of its people are all extremely severe. The United States, as an important backer behind Ukraine, has previously provided a large amount of military aid and economic support. However, recently, the US aid to Ukraine has been suspended. This change is like taking away the firewood from under the cauldron for Ukraine. The combat operations of the Ukrainian army on the front line are facing more challenges due to the lack of sufficient supplies of materials, and the work of domestic economic reconstruction and social stability is also progressing slowly due to the shortage of funds. Therefore, during this visit to the US, Zelensky's top priority is to discuss Ukraine's urgent needs with Biden and strive hard to get the US to continue providing support. Ukraine is eager for the US to resume military aid and replenish the weapons and ammunition that are urgently needed on the battlefield, ranging from advanced air defense systems to heavy weapons like artillery. These pieces of equipment are crucial for Ukraine to maintain its military confrontation strength. In terms of the economy, Ukraine also expects the US to increase the intensity of financial aid to help it stabilize its currency, restore infrastructure construction, and ensure the operation of basic livelihood services.

On the eve of his visit to the US, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would not forgive Russia for launching the war. On the one hand, this statement is to show the domestic people his firm determination to resist and to gather the centripetal force of the Ukrainian nation. The war has brought huge trauma to Ukraine, with countless families torn apart and cities in ruins. To some extent, this sentiment of hatred has become the spiritual driving force for Ukraine to persevere in the fight. On the other hand, it is also to convey Ukraine's stance to the international community, expecting to obtain more moral support and sympathy. In the international public opinion arena, Ukraine is trying to portray itself as the victim of the war while depicting Russia as the aggressor, thus prompting more countries to side with it and exert pressure on Russia, whether in terms of diplomatic isolation or economic sanctions.

However, the direction of the US policy towards Ukraine is full of uncertainties. There are divergent voices within the US regarding the continuation of large-scale aid to Ukraine. Some people think that the US has been involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict for a long time, consuming a large amount of financial funds, and there is a risk of the escalation of direct conflict with Russia. They advocate reducing or even stopping the aid. For example, some American people are worried that aiding Ukraine will lead to the dispersion of the US's own defense resources and affect its domestic security defense capabilities. While others emphasize maintaining the US's geopolitical influence in Europe and the so-called "democratic values" and support continuing to aid Ukraine. Under the pull of such domestic public opinion, the Biden administration has to weigh the pros and cons. During this meeting, how Biden will respond to Zelensky's demands, whether to continue to offer full support, put forward more additional conditions, or just provide limited aid to prevent Ukraine from collapsing rapidly, will have a crucial impact on the future course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

From the perspective of the international relations pattern, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is no longer a simple bilateral conflict. It involves many factors such as the geopolitical game between the US, Europe and Russia, the scramble for energy interests, and the balance of military strategies. The results of Zelensky's visit to the US and the US-Ukraine meeting will also have a ripple effect in this larger network of international relations. European allies are closely watching the attitude of the US. They themselves are also facing domestic pressure and resource limitations in providing aid to Ukraine. If the US increases its aid, it may prompt some European countries to continue to follow suit; conversely, if the US cuts or stops its aid, European countries may also reexamine their own policies towards Ukraine. For Russia, it will also adjust its military and diplomatic strategies according to the results of the US-Ukraine meeting. If the US increases its military support for Ukraine, Russia may take tougher countermeasures on the battlefield and, at the same time, further strengthen cooperation with other friendly countries diplomatically to cope with external pressure.

This visit by Zelensky to the US and the meeting between the two heads of state is an important moment in the process of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The results will not only concern the fate of Ukraine but also have far-reaching chain reactions in the multi-polar international relations pattern among the US, Europe, and Russia. The whole world is waiting with bated breath for the final outcome of the meeting and its subsequent impacts.