Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to begin a significant U.S. visit on September 22 with a tour of a Pennsylvania factory that plays a critical role in supplying key munitions for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. The visit comes as Zelenskiy seeks to secure ongoing international support for his country’s war efforts and aims to deepen military cooperation with the United States, one of Kyiv’s primary allies.
Two U.S. officials told the Associated Press that Zelenskiy will start his U.S. trip at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, a facility instrumental in manufacturing 155mm artillery shells, an essential piece of weaponry in Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russian forces. The visit marks the first stop in a week-long diplomatic campaign for Zelenskiy that will include high-profile meetings at the United Nations and in Washington, D.C.
Zelenskiy’s U.S. tour is being viewed as a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s efforts to shore up Western military and political support, which has been essential in its fight against Russia. The war, which began in February 2022, has devastated Ukrainian cities and claimed tens of thousands of lives, but Kyiv’s resistance has remained strong, due in no small part to assistance from Western allies, including the United States.
During his visit, Zelenskiy plans to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, where he will appeal to world leaders for sustained global backing. His speech is expected to highlight Ukraine’s resilience and emphasize the need for continued military, economic, and humanitarian support as the war with Russia drags on into its third year.
Following his U.N. appearance, Zelenskiy is scheduled for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on September 26, where the two leaders will discuss military strategy, additional aid, and a potential framework for future negotiations with the Kremlin. Vice President Kamala Harris will also be part of the talks, underscoring the Biden administration’s strong commitment to Ukraine.
Zelenskiy’s first stop in the U.S. at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant holds both strategic and symbolic significance. Scranton, a blue-collar city in northeastern Pennsylvania, is President Biden’s birthplace, and the visit serves as a nod to Biden’s strong support for Ukraine’s cause.
The plant itself is crucial to Ukraine’s war efforts. It produces 155mm artillery shells, a core component of Ukraine’s military arsenal in its battles against Russian forces. These shells are used in howitzer systems capable of striking targets up to 32 kilometers away, providing Ukrainian troops with the firepower needed to engage Russian positions from a distance.
To date, the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with more than 3 million 155mm shells, which have proven effective in countering Russian artillery strikes and disrupting enemy supply lines. On the frontlines, Ukraine has been using up to 8,000 of these shells daily in fierce battles to regain territory and defend against Russian advances in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Pentagon officials, including top military leaders, are expected to join Zelenskiy at the Scranton plant, along with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a prominent Democrat who has been vocal in his support for Ukraine. The meeting will offer Zelenskiy the opportunity to personally thank the U.S. for its contributions while also pressing for additional long-range strike capabilities.
“Victory Plan”: A Path Forward for Ukraine
At the heart of Zelenskiy’s U.S. visit is his “victory plan,” which he is expected to present to President Biden during their talks. The plan outlines Kyiv’s strategic goals for defeating Russian forces and lays out a comprehensive list of military requests, including advanced weaponry that could help tilt the balance of power in Ukraine’s favor.
Key elements of Zelenskiy’s plan include requests for long-range strike capabilities, which Ukraine sees as essential for disrupting Russian supply lines and military installations deep within Russian territory. So far, Western nations, particularly the U.S. and Britain, have been hesitant to provide such weapons, fearing an escalation in the conflict that could lead to direct confrontations between NATO forces and Russia.
However, Zelenskiy is expected to argue that without the ability to strike Russian military infrastructure, Moscow will continue to launch missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing significant civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. Zelenskiy has emphasized that the victory plan is designed not just for Ukraine’s defense but as a basis for any future peace talks with Russia.
“This will be the start and foundation for talking in any format with Russia — in any format, with any of its representatives — because there will be a plan and something to show,” Zelenskiy stated in a briefing on September 20, signaling his readiness to negotiate but only from a position of strength.
A Critical Moment for Diplomacy and U.S. Support
The Ukrainian president’s visit comes at a crucial juncture for U.S.-Ukraine relations, as the war with Russia shows no signs of abating, and domestic political pressures in the U.S. have raised questions about continued military support for Kyiv.
While the Biden administration remains steadfast in its commitment to aid Ukraine, some factions within the U.S. Congress, particularly among Republicans, have called for a more cautious approach. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, U.S. foreign policy is becoming a key issue in domestic political debates, with several Republican candidates expressing skepticism about the level of assistance being provided to Ukraine.
One such candidate is former President Donald Trump, who has been vocal in his criticism of Biden’s Ukraine policy. Trump, the Republican party’s frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election, is scheduled to meet with Zelenskiy during the Ukrainian president’s visit. This meeting, confirmed by the Ukrainian presidency, will be watched closely, as it could offer insight into how future U.S. administrations might approach the conflict if Trump is re-elected.
Zelenskiy, keenly aware of the changing political landscape in the U.S., is expected to use the meeting with Trump to advocate for bipartisan support for Ukraine, emphasizing the broader geopolitical stakes of the war, including the threat posed by Russian expansionism to global security.
Ukraine’s Struggles and the Need for Continued Aid
Despite Ukraine’s remarkable resilience, the country continues to face severe challenges in its war against Russia. The frontlines remain highly fluid, with fierce fighting reported in several key regions, including the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in the east and the southern Kherson region.
Russian missile strikes and drone attacks have targeted Ukrainian cities far from the frontlines, leading to significant civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for more advanced air defense systems to protect against these attacks, which have intensified in recent months.
In addition to military support, Zelenskiy is expected to seek further economic assistance during his U.S. visit. The war has had a devastating impact on Ukraine’s economy, with entire industries shut down, millions of people displaced, and vital infrastructure in need of repair. Western financial aid has helped stabilize the country, but Ukrainian officials warn that more will be needed to rebuild and recover.
Diplomacy and a Path to Peace
Zelenskiy’s visit also underscores the importance of diplomacy in the ongoing conflict. While military assistance remains vital, there is growing recognition that the war cannot be won on the battlefield alone. Zelenskiy has signaled his willingness to engage in peace talks but insists that any negotiations must be on Ukraine’s terms and must guarantee the country’s territorial integrity.
For Kyiv, the victory plan is seen as a crucial first step toward any future dialogue with the Kremlin. By presenting a clear strategy and showing that Ukraine has the backing of its Western allies, Zelenskiy hopes to create the conditions for meaningful negotiations that could eventually bring an end to the war.
However, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, not least of which is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued refusal to withdraw forces from occupied Ukrainian territory. Moreover, the war has hardened public opinion on both sides, making compromises difficult to achieve.
As Zelenskiy begins his U.S. visit, the stakes for Ukraine could not be higher. The war with Russia has reached a critical phase, and Kyiv’s ability to maintain international support will be crucial in the months ahead. With key meetings at the U.N., the White House, and potentially with Donald Trump, Zelenskiy’s diplomatic skills will be put to the test as he seeks to rally support for his victory plan and lay the groundwork for eventual peace.
Zelenskiy’s tour of the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, which provides essential munitions to Ukrainian forces, underscores the deep military ties between Ukraine and the U.S., while symbolically linking Biden’s birthplace to the ongoing fight for Ukrainian sovereignty. The success of this visit could have far-reaching implications for the future of the war and the geopolitical landscape of Europe.
