Written by Daniel Foster.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent trip to the U.S., specifically to Pennsylvania, has sparked quite the controversy. Initially, Zelensky’s visit seemed to be about diplomacy, attending the UN General Assembly in New York and presenting his “victory plan” to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. However, things took a sudden turn when Zelensky found himself in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Over the weekend, Zelensky toured the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant with Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, where they signed 155mm artillery shells set to be sent to Ukrainian forces. Harmless enough, right? Well, that photo op didn’t sit well with many Republican leaders, especially given the “coincidental” timing of the visit—just 50 days before the U.S. presidential election. Critics argue that the optics of the Ukrainian leader showing up in a battleground state with a Democratic governor look a little too convenient.
One of the loudest critics, Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, wasn’t shy about voicing his concerns on X (formerly Twitter): “Zelensky is openly campaigning for Democrats in battleground Pennsylvania today some 50 days out from our Presidential election. Unreal.” Whether it’s unreal or not, the backlash shows just how deeply divided American politics have become—and now even foreign leaders are being dragged into the fray.
Suspect Timing or Political Stunt?
As if the optics of Zelensky signing military shells in Pennsylvania weren’t enough, his recent interview with The New Yorker stirred the pot even more. In the interview, Zelensky criticized former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both Republican nominees in the upcoming election. Pennsylvania Representative John Joyce was quick to dismiss the entire visit as “a political stunt,” emphasizing how suspicious the timing was.
But it doesn’t stop there. A group of nine House Republicans, led by Lance Gooden of Texas, has gone as far as to call for an investigation into the visit. According to a letter addressed to Pentagon Inspector General Robert Storch, these lawmakers are questioning the use of U.S. taxpayer money to fly Zelensky into Pennsylvania on a military C-17 aircraft, complete with Secret Service protection.
“There is concern that these resources were used for purposes unrelated to U.S. national security or bilateral diplomacy but rather to support a politically significant visit ahead of a major U.S. election,” the letter reads, as shared with The Washington Examiner. You can almost feel the tension rising as Republicans question whether Zelensky’s visit was a diplomatic mission or a thinly veiled campaign event for the Democrats.
Zelensky’s Misstep in Alienating Republican Voters?
Beyond the immediate political fallout, some Republicans are questioning Zelensky’s judgment. Lance Gooden, in an interview with Fox News, posed the question that’s probably on the minds of many GOP voters: “Why is he [Zelensky] not on his knees thanking Americans, Republicans and Democrats, for the sacrifices they’ve made for his nation? And how dare he come into our nation and opine on any election, much less the presidential race?”
It’s a valid question. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with billions in military and humanitarian aid, and yet Zelensky’s recent actions seem to be alienating a significant portion of the American electorate. Criticizing Trump and Vance in such a high-profile way could make it difficult for him to maintain bipartisan support moving forward. After all, Ukraine’s survival depends heavily on continued U.S. assistance, and losing Republican support could severely impact that.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has also been making a play for Pennsylvania’s large Polish-American voter base, touting the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine as a means to protect Poland. It’s clear that Ukraine is becoming more than just a foreign policy issue—it’s now a wedge issue in American politics.
Our Take
Zelensky’s visit to Pennsylvania, whether intentionally or not, has undeniably become a political lightning rod. The timing, the location, and his public comments all suggest a deeper level of involvement in U.S. political affairs than many expected from a foreign leader. This could be bad news for both Zelensky and the American public. For one, the delicate bipartisan support for Ukraine might start to crumble if Republicans feel that Ukraine is being weaponized for political gain. Furthermore, this entire spectacle sets a dangerous precedent—foreign leaders, especially those relying on U.S. aid, should be focused on diplomacy, not wading into the deep waters of partisan politics.
It’s hard to ignore the fact that taxpayer dollars were used to fund this visit, and while diplomacy is essential, it’s questionable whether this trip was truly necessary. The public deserves answers about how their money is being spent, and allowing political theatrics to play out on the international stage only erodes trust in the government. In the end, both Zelensky and American officials need to be more mindful of the optics and consequences of these types of actions.
