During a recent presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris launched a sharp critique of former President Donald Trump’s stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. She accused Trump of being too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that such a ‘friendship’ could be dangerous.
When asked about her support for Ukraine, Harris emphasized the crucial role of US assistance in helping Ukraine maintain its independence. She pointedly criticized Trump’s perceived willingness to compromise with Russia, stating that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine.
“Putin’s agenda is not just about Ukraine,” Harris asserted. “Otherwise, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe. Starting with Poland. And why don’t you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator who would eat you for lunch,” she added.
Harris’ comments come amid escalating tensions in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The US has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visiting the UK to discuss further aid for Ukraine in the wake of drone attacks on Russia. Trump, on the other hand, has previously engaged in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about potential peace plans, and his approach to the conflict has been a subject of ongoing debate.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the situation, Harris’ criticism comes after an unexpected endorsement from Russian President Putin himself, who expressed support for her in the 2024 election.
Harris’ pointed remarks highlight the stark differences in approach between the two presidential candidates on the crucial issue of Ukraine, a conflict that continues to dominate the international stage.