Was Zelensky's recent visit to the US successful?

Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the U.S. had mixed outcomes, reflecting both successes and ongoing challenges in securing long-term support for Ukraine’s war effort against Russia.

Zelensky successfully secured an additional $325 million in military aid from the U.S., which includes advanced weaponry like Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) designed to strengthen Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities【23†source】. This new package, while short of Ukraine’s full request, was seen as a positive step in bolstering Ukraine’s military efforts.

2. **Political Support from Key Leaders**:

U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing that this support is in America’s strategic interest. Vice President Kamala Harris also strongly defended Ukraine’s right to territorial sovereignty, rejecting any proposal that would force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia【23†source】.

### **Challenges and Setbacks**:

1. **Unmet Requests**:

One of the main setbacks was Biden’s refusal to provide ATACMS long-range missiles, which Kyiv considers essential for deep strikes against Russian military infrastructure. This left Zelensky without a key military capability he had been advocating for【23†source】.

2. **Political Divisions in Congress**:

Zelensky faced a more divided and less enthusiastic reception in Congress compared to previous visits. While some Republicans continue to support aid to Ukraine, there is growing resistance within the party, particularly as the U.S. enters its own election cycle. This changing political landscape has made future U.S. support for Ukraine less certain【23†source】【23†source】.

3. **Decreasing Influence**:

Media outlets like *The New York Times* noted that Zelensky’s influence in Washington has waned since his first visits, when he was greeted with standing ovations and bipartisan enthusiasm. Now, he faced a more restrained response, reflecting a shift in the mood among lawmakers【23†source】.

### **Conclusion**:

Overall, Zelensky’s visit was a modest success in terms of securing immediate aid and reaffirming high-level U.S. support. However, it highlighted the growing challenges he faces in maintaining strong backing from the U.S. amid a shifting political climate. The mixed outcome underscores the complexities Ukraine will need to navigate as it seeks continued Western support.