Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit the White House for crucial discussions with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. This meeting could be his last opportunity to secure vital support from the U.S. as the nation braces for a potentially contentious presidential election.

Zelensky plans to present a “victory plan,” which aims to address the urgent need for immediate assistance in countering Russia's ongoing invasion. While specific details of the plan remain confidential, sources indicate it will emphasize the need for additional aid and long-term security guarantees that could endure regardless of future U.S. leadership.

This effort comes at a time when even some of Ukraine's strongest Western allies are showing signs of war fatigue. Zelensky aims to demonstrate that Ukraine can achieve victory without having to concede territory captured by Russia, provided adequate support is forthcoming.

Ahead of Zelensky's arrival, Biden announced a significant increase in military aid to Ukraine. He directed the Pentagon to utilize all remaining funds previously allocated by Congress to bolster Ukraine's defenses and prepare them for success, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election. Biden also revealed plans to supply Ukraine with advanced long-range weapons, Patriot missiles, and additional training for fighter pilots, with an upcoming summit in Germany to further coordinate assistance among Western nations.

The question remains whether these measures will be sufficient to turn the tide against Russia. Biden has been cautious about allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons, a policy he has recently appeared more open to, although it remains uncertain whether any changes will be made public.

As Biden considers these decisions, time is of the essence. Many believe the approach toward Ukraine may shift significantly if Donald Trump wins the presidency again. Trump has asserted that he could “settle” the war upon taking office and has hinted at ending U.S. support for Ukraine.

Zelensky's visit is particularly pressing, given Trump’s recent comments criticizing Ukraine’s leadership. “Those cities are gone, they’re gone, and we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal, Zelensky,” Trump stated in a recent campaign event, underscoring the urgency for Ukraine to secure support while the current administration is in place.

Biden reiterated his commitment to Ukraine, directing the Department of Defense to allocate all remaining security assistance funding by the end of his term. He announced the provision of a Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) to enhance Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, although specifics on any changes to restrictions on deep strikes into Russia were not confirmed.

Zelensky is also scheduled to meet with Harris, indicating his intention to cultivate a strong relationship with her as a potential future leader. The vice president has consistently emphasized that there will be no change in U.S. support for Ukraine, regardless of who holds the presidency.

Harris has had multiple engagements with Zelensky since the onset of the war in 2022, and she has been active in rallying international support against Russian aggression. During a recent Democratic National Convention speech, she highlighted her proactive efforts prior to Russia's invasion, claiming significant credit for mobilizing a global response against Putin.

The diverging views on foreign policy between Harris and Trump have been made clear by their respective comments regarding Ukraine. While Trump continues to criticize Zelensky, Harris aims to reassure him of unwavering U.S. support.

As Zelensky navigates these discussions in Washington, the underlying concern remains: any assurances he receives might be jeopardized with a shift in U.S. leadership. Reflecting on the potential uncertainties, Zelensky previously expressed confidence in the people's support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, stating, “If the people are with us, any leader will be with us in this struggle.”