2024 Presidential election

Blinken reaffirms US support for Ukraine amidst election fears

Ukraine is on its way to being able to "stand on its own feet militarily" as Western countries continue expand support for Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on July 19.

Zelensky, Trump hold call, discuss future of US support

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, former U.S. president and Republican presidential nominee, held a phone call on July 19, five years after a fateful 2019 phone call between the two led to Trump’s first impeachment.

Biden departure from 2024 race increasingly likely, top Democrats say

Biden has become more "receptive" to arguments that he should step aside, sources close to the U.S. president said on July 18.

Zelensky, Trump to hold phone discussion, CNN reports

The leaders are expected to speak over the phone on July 19 in their first conversation since Trump left office in 2021.

Trump formally accepts nomination as Republican presidential candidate

Former U.S. President Donald Trump accepted his third nomination on July 18 in his first speech since surviving an attempted assassination.

With a Trump victory more likely, Ukraine launches charm offensive

Starmer addresses concerns over Europe's ability to support Ukraine ahead of US election

"I'm not going to preempt what may happen in the elections later this year, other than to say that industrial strategy is a very important component of the package that we need to put together," Keir Starmer said.

Opinion: Could Ukraine survive a JD Vance vice presidency?

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s nomination of J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential running mate has sent shockwaves across the Western alliance, particularly Ukraine, which is on the front lines of Western liberal democracy’s battle against authoritarianism. Vance has been strident in his

'I don't care' – JD Vance on Ukraine, in his own words

The selection of Ohio Senator J. D. Vance as Donald Trump's running mate this week has sent ripples of concern around the globe, felt not least in Ukraine. One of the most vocal opponents of U.S. aid to Ukraine, Vance has an extensive back catalog of statements that might

The Counteroffensive: A JD Vance vice presidency would be a disaster for Ukraine

Editor’s Note: This article was published by the twice-weekly newsletter “The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak” on July 16, 2024, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to "The Counteroffensive," click here. J.D. Vance’s selection as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s running

JD Vance opposes military aid, NATO membership for Ukraine. He's now Trump's VP pick

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate on July 15. The 39-year-old conservative, whose fame ballooned after the publication of his 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," was announced as Trump's pick for vice president on the first day

Kremlin blames Democrats, Ukraine for Trump assassination attempt

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the Republican Party nominee for the upcoming presidential election, prompted shock, sympathy, and concern from capitals across the world. President Volodymyr Zelensky said he wished former U.S. President Donald Trump "a speedy recovery." The response from the Kremlin stood out. Spokesperson

Trump names senator in favor of Ukrainian territorial concessions as his running mate

"Any peace settlement is going to require some significant territorial concessions from Ukraine, and you're gonna have a peace deal because that's the only way out of the conflict," Senator J. D. Vance said in February.

Zelensky says he 'is not afraid' of Trump's potential presidency

Ukraine has bipartisan support and will develop relations with Washington regardless of the outcome of the presidential elections, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists. "If Donald Trump becomes president, we will work. I am not afraid of this," Zelensky said.

The Counteroffensive: What the Trump shooting could mean for Ukraine

Editor’s Note: This article was published by the twice-weekly newsletter “The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak” on July 14, 2024, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to "The Counteroffensive," click here. The assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump on July 14

Zelensky wishes Trump a speedy recovery after assassination attempt

President Volodymyr Zelensky said he wished former U.S. President Donald Trump "a speedy recovery" following the attack at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.

Trump shot at during Pennsylvania rally

At a rally in Pennsylvania, gunshots were reportedly fired at former U.S. President Donald Trump, prompting security staff to rush him off stage.

Ukraine and its soldiers weigh in on whether Biden should step aside

Editor’s note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names only. As calls mount for U.S. President Joe Biden to step aside in the upcoming presidential election among Democratic party allies in Washington, Ukrainian soldiers more

Biden defends candidacy, dodges questions on US weapons restrictions

Speaking after the conclusion of the three-day NATO summit in Washington, Biden fielded questions on his record and foreign policy while avoiding direct answers regarding Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied weapons.

Ukraine wants to hold 2nd peace summit before US election, Bloomberg reports

The Republican Party's presumptive presidential nominee, Donald Trump, has repeatedly said he could end Russia's war within 24 hours if elected, without specifying the steps for reaching a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

Russia aims to undermine support for Ukraine during US election, intelligence warns

When asked whether Moscow seeks to boost a specific candidate, an official of the Office of the Director National Intelligence (ODNI) said that they have "have not observed a shift in Russia’s preferences for the presidential race from past elections, given the role the U.S. is playing with regard to Ukraine and broader policy toward Russia."

Republican Party committee approves 2024 platform, makes no mention of Ukraine, Russia

The 16-page document, which must be still approved at the upcoming Republican National Convention, focuses primarily on domestic issues.

Exclusive: Congresswoman says Biden should ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US weaponry on Russian soil

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden should further lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American weaponry for strikes against targets on Russian soil, a ranking member of the U.S. House of Representative’s defense committee said. In an exclusive interview with the Kyiv Independent, Congresswoman Betty

Allies fear Biden may struggle to defeat Trump, express concern about Ukraine, Politico reports

Diplomats and world leaders, preparing for next week’s NATO summit, are privately voicing significant concerns about U.S. President Joe Biden’s age, health, and his ability to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election.

Opinion: As an American in Kyiv, I'm proud of how much we helped Ukraine and scared we may let it down

If you speak English on the street in Ukraine, it’s not uncommon for strangers to stop and ask where you’re from. Many times when I’ve said I’m American, people (ranging from teenagers to the elderly) have thanked me for my country’s help. I’m forever

With aid on the line, Kyiv pays close attention to US presidential debate

U.S. President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, faced off on June 27 in the first presidential debate in the lead-up to the country's presidential election. The debate marked a shaky start for Biden, whose administration proved to be a pivotal ally for Ukraine in its defense against

Trump rejects Putin’s peace terms while Biden unnerves Democrats at historic debate

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, sharing a debate stage with the incumbent Joe Biden for the first time in four years, said Russia’s terms of keeping Ukrainian land it’s occupied are not acceptable. In a historic debate that focused little on foreign policy, no specific plans for

Political divide over Ukraine manifests in Pennsylvania, crucial US swing state

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – Once a month in the basement of a minimally marked neighborhood building, an age-spanning group of Ukrainian Americans gather to discuss the typical meeting minutes of most nonprofits: dues, membership, and events. With nearly 800 current members – all of whom must be of Ukrainian descent – the Ukrainian American

No point in peace talks, General Budanov says

Ukraine's Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov said in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer published June 23 that peace talks are pointless because the only option is to reclaim occupied territory.

Kyiv-born former US soldier, Trump-whistleblower wins Democratic primary for Congress

Eugene Vindman, who has no previous political experience, delivered a commanding victory over his six Democratic rivals, securing 49.3% of the vote.

‘A ceasefire is a trap:’ Forcing Ukraine to compromise with Russia would weaken US, Zelensky warns Trump

President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Guardian in an interview he believes such an approach would green light further attacks by Russia, “reducing to zero” the U.S.’s global influence.

Donald Trump found guilty on all 34 counts in hush money trial

Former U.S. President and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 felony counts in the New York hush money trial on May 30.