Ukrainian Official Meets with Trump Allies in Lithuania to Maintain U.S. Support

A Ukrainian official has met with allies of former U.S. President Donald Trump in Lithuania, seeking to maintain American support for Ukraine's survival regardless of the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Oleksandr Merezhko, the chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament's foreign affairs committee and an ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, participated in meetings organized by the governing party of Lithuania, a steadfast supporter of Ukraine.

The meetings brought together Ukrainians, Baltic politicians, former Trump administration officials, and members of pro-Trump groups like the Heritage Foundation. The goal was to ensure continued U.S. military and financial assistance for Ukraine, which Zelensky has warned is vital for the country's chances of winning against Russian forces. "Reaching out to the Trump camp was an acknowledgment of Ukraine's susceptibility to the changing tides of American politics," Merezhko said, stressing that Ukraine cannot risk alienating either President Joe Biden or Trump.

Why this matters: The meetings highlight the growing efforts by Ukraine to secure support from both sides of the U.S. political spectrum, as the country faces an ongoing war with Russia. The outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election could have significant implications for Ukraine's future and its ability to defend against Russian aggression.

During the discussions, some Trump supporters questioned why American taxpayers should fund Ukraine's war effort. In response, the Ukrainians argued that helping Ukraine creates jobs in the U.S. and serves America's strategic interests against Russia, Iran, and China. While some European leaders are alarmed by the prospect of a second Trump presidency, which could mean an end to U.S. support for Ukraine, the Ukrainians and their Baltic backers are proactively engaging with the Trump camp to try to ensure continued assistance.

The meetings in Lithuania underscore Ukraine's recognition of its reliance on U.S. support and the potential risks posed by the upcoming U.S. presidential election. "We cannot risk alienating either Biden or Trump," Merezhko reiterated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining bipartisan American support for Ukraine's survival and defense against Russian aggression.

Key Takeaways

• Ukrainian official met with Trump allies in Lithuania to maintain US support for Ukraine.
• Meetings aimed to ensure continued US military and financial aid for Ukraine's war effort.
• Ukraine seeks bipartisan US support, wary of risks posed by 2024 US presidential election.
• Some Trump supporters questioned why US taxpayers should fund Ukraine's war, but Ukrainians argued it serves US interests.
• Ukraine's reliance on US support and the potential risks of a second Trump presidency underscore the meetings.