“It’s unpleasant when people put pressure on you” – Kommersant FM

He was extremely emotional and sharply criticized the indecisiveness of his allies – this is how Bloomberg sources describe the visit of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to the United States. On September 21, he received an audience at the White House, where Joe Biden assured him of continued support. However, the Ukrainian leader was unable to speak in Congress. In general, many observers agree that it was indeed not received as enthusiastically as a year ago. Kommersant FM political commentator Dmitry Drize believes that the West does not want to once again raise the stakes in the conflict.

Joe Biden personally assured Vladimir Zelensky that the United States will support Ukraine as long as necessary. In terms of direct military assistance, the emphasis is on defense. Long-range missiles will not be supplied. At least in the short term. But literally tomorrow Abrams tanks, as well as additional air defense systems, should appear on the fronts.

Apparently, F-16 aircraft will arrive early next year. We are also talking about the fourth-generation Swedish Gripen multi-purpose vehicles. In addition, there is progress in establishing joint arms production with Ukraine. And not only with the USA, but also with Germany. Turkey, as you know, is already building a plant that will produce Bayraktar attack drones. It doesn’t seem all that bad at first glance. Although, of course, you always want more.

Now regarding the political results. Yes, this time there were no tears of tenderness, bouquets of flowers, stormy applause turning into standing ovations. It doesn’t happen that people applaud you all the time, delight is replaced by harsh workdays – this is the truth of life. Everyone has their own interests, and you can’t escape that.

At stake is another $24 billion aid package for Kyiv. Ukraine cannot receive it without the consent of American legislators. There are different opinions on this matter in the Capitol – both for and against.

Vladimir Zelensky was not given the opportunity to speak in Congress, but he held a round of consultations with both Republicans and Democrats. The Ukrainian president then paid an unscheduled visit to Canada and apparently headed home afterward. Actually, what was said earlier receives official confirmation: the West has guaranteed support for Kyiv in the new cycle of confrontation, which is gradually turning into winter. Almost everyone agrees with this.

As mentioned above, military assistance was not provided to the extent that Zelensky’s office would like. The meaning is clear: former partners assure Moscow that we are not raising the stakes, but are talking exclusively about effective defense. At the same time, we should not forget the thesis that the best defense is attack. Nevertheless, the West does not force the situation, does not escalate, which is what Russia is being made to understand.

The latter, of course, may not agree with this, but this message is clearly visible. In the event of further escalation, there will be a corresponding reaction from unfriendly countries in the form of supplies of missiles and other more effective weapons to Ukraine. This has happened more than once. But this is not the case yet.

The most unpleasant issue for Zelensky is the demand for reforms, elections and an effective fight against corruption. And they even require a report on the funds spent in one form or another. With a high degree of probability, the issue of negotiations with Russia was also discussed so that Zelensky would soften his position. It’s unpleasant when they put pressure on you and try to dictate terms. Nevertheless, changes within Ukraine are apparently inevitable. And this should probably be expected in the foreseeable future.

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