Zelenskyy's trip to Pennsylvania sparked a flurry of criticism from representatives of the Republican Party. And its leader, Donald Trump, accused the Ukrainian president of ‘attacks’ against him. What is the essence of the scandal and what are its consequences already felt, we tell in this article

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A scandal erupted during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the United States. Senior US politicians called on the Ukrainian leader to dismiss the Ukrainian ambassador, and Zelenskyy himself was accused of interfering in the US election. What happened, what statements have already been made, and what to expect next, we will tell you below.

What is the reason for the scandal?

On 23 September, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania, during his visit to the United States. It is there that 155-calibre artillery ammunition is produced for the Ukrainian army, which is currently in short supply.

The fact is that the weapons plant is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This is one of the key swing states in the US presidential race. It can give one of the candidates 19 electoral votes out of the 270 needed.

Zelenskyy visited the plant in the company of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is a popular figure in the Democratic Party and is also considered close to presidential candidate Kamala Harris. In addition, the plant was visited by Democrats Bob Casey and Matt Cartwright, who represent the Scranton constituency in the Senate and House of Representatives.

There were no Republican representatives at the event, which angered some Republicans.

Zelenskyy and interference in the US elections

On 25 September, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer announced an investigation into Zelenskyy's visit to the plant to see if the purpose of the visit was to ‘interfere in the US election’.

At the same time, House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly called on Zelenskyy to fire Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova. He claims that she allegedly organised the visit and did not specifically invite Republicans.

‘The visit was obviously part of a political campaign to help Democrats and is a clear interference in the election,’ Johnson said.

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Trump did not stand aside

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump also made several harsh statements against Zelenskyy, in particular, accusing the Ukrainian president of ‘dirty tricks’.

‘Zelenskyy is making dirty little attacks on your favourite president, me,’ Trump said.

The consequences of the scandal are already being felt

Zelenskyy's trip to the US is very important for America's continued support for Ukraine. In addition, as announced, the Ukrainian leader brought to the United States a ‘plan for Ukraine's victory’ that he wanted to demonstrate to President Joe Biden, as well as to candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. In addition, Zelenskyy planned to address the US Congress.

However, during the visit, plans began to change dramatically. Congress Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not be able to meet with Zelenskyy, allegedly ‘due to his workload’. He added that if the meeting did take place, he would discuss with Zelenskyy the situation with Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova. Johnson expressed concern, calling the recent events ‘horrific’. The House Speaker noted that they strain relations between the two countries at a difficult time for Ukraine.

It is also likely that Zelenskyy will not meet with Trump. Although dialogue between them was a key goal during the visit.

Manipulative statements by the Republicans suggest that relations between Ukraine and the so-called ‘Trumpists’ could deteriorate sharply. 

We remind you! The US has learned the name of a potential vice-presidential candidate from the Democratic Party. His name is Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota. Read more about his career and his attitude towards Ukraine here.

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