Vice President Kamala Harris recently attended an international gathering in Switzerland to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the global effort to achieve lasting peace. She announced $1.5 billion in U.S. assistance to Ukraine, focusing on energy, infrastructure repair, refugee support, and civilian security. Harris emphasized that Russia’s aggression not only threatens Ukraine but also attacks international norms and principles embodied in the U.N. Charter. She reaffirmed America’s commitment to imposing costs on Russia and working towards a just and lasting peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed the desire to find real peace at the summit, and called on nations sharing values of the U.N. Charter to join efforts at future stages. President Joe Biden’s absence at the summit highlighted the challenges of balancing domestic and foreign policy demands during the ongoing election year. Harris, who represented the U.S. alongside White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, played a crucial role at the summit and demonstrated America’s support for Ukraine and global peace efforts.
Zelenskyy had pressed for Biden and other world leaders to participate in the meeting, warning that their absence could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Biden’s decision to send Harris and Sullivan was seen as a missed opportunity, it underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing the crisis in Ukraine. Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of achieving a just peace at the summit and called for focused efforts to end the war in subsequent gatherings.
As the Biden administration aims to reassemble the coalition of voters that supported his victory over Donald Trump, Harris has taken on a more prominent role in engaging with diverse Democratic constituencies. However, like Biden, Harris has experienced a decline in favorability ratings among Americans. The role of both leaders, as well as the criticism of Harris in her fill-in capacity at the summit, reflects the evolving dynamics of American politics and the challenges faced by the current administration.
While Russia was not part of the summit, Putin’s recent proposal for a cease-fire in Ukraine was deemed manipulative and absurd by Ukrainian officials. Harris emphasized that Putin’s call was for surrender, not negotiations, and reiterated America’s support for Ukraine as a strategic interest. Biden’s recent announcements of increased assistance and security commitments to Ukraine have reinforced America’s backing for the country in its conflict with Russia, ensuring continued support for Ukraine’s defense and resilience against Russian aggression.
The ongoing crisis in Ukraine, combined with broader geopolitical challenges, highlights the complex diplomatic terrain facing the U.S. and its allies. As global leaders strive to establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the role of key figures like Harris and continued efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and infrastructure will be crucial in shaping the outcome of the conflict and reinforcing international norms and principles.
