A real coup: that’s why Selensky’s visit to Washington was so important. German bestselling author Barbara Noack passed away

Vladimir Putin has only one more chance to achieve his war goals in Ukraine: Only if the West drops Kiev can Russia gain momentum and put heavy pressure on the Ukrainian military. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s surprise visit to his US counterpart Joe Biden in Washington today, Wednesday, clearly shows that the Kremlin can bury this hope.

Recently, Ukraine has gained the upper hand in the war and is gradually pushing back Russian soldiers. In addition to excellent morale, this is mainly due to the support of the West. Russia has less and less to resist modern weapons from the US and Europe.

Putin knows that too. That’s why he goes to great lengths to drive a wedge into the phalanx of supporters – for example, by cutting off the gas supply. In vain, it turns out. What remains is the hope that the West will eventually tire of the war as the fighting in Ukraine continues.

The US plays a crucial role

The US plays the most important role here. Because on the one hand, they are by far Ukraine’s biggest supporters with military aid in the billions. On the other hand, anger is growing, especially among the Republican base. Voices are getting louder for Biden’s billion-dollar packages for Kiev. The gist: the US government should rather take care of its citizens at home.

Zelensky’s visit should therefore also target those in the US who believe the war in Ukraine is none of their business. Because Selenski is now physically in Washington. And any doubter who sees the photos of him next to President Biden will be reminded of what is currently happening in Ukraine.

The signal that Biden sends with the reception is equally clear: America is firmly on the side of Ukraine. critical or not.

Zelensky wants new missiles

In terms of content, Selenski should mainly be concerned with a very special weapon system: the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system. After much hesitation, Washington has given the green light for the delivery of these state-of-the-art missiles. They could become a “game changer” for Ukraine. Because no matter how expensive each individual missile is (about $2 million each), it is just as effective against cruise missiles, jets and drones. It is part of a new billion-dollar package for Ukraine that Congress will vote on in a few days.

The signal sent by Zelensky’s visit to Washington is strong: the West, and especially the United States, the world’s largest economic and military power, is resolutely on Ukraine’s side. Vladimir Putin may not like that at all. (aargauerzeitung.ch)