Chethana Janith, Jadetimes Staff
C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.
As Inna sweeps shattered glass outside her shop, she reflects on how her country’s fate hinges on decisions made over 5,000 miles away by American voters.
"We hope that Kamala Harris will win and continue supporting us," she expresses.
A Russian bomb recently shattered her shop windows, a regular occurrence in Zaporizhzhia, where a 10-meter-wide crater marks the street.
"We’re obviously anxious about the election outcome," she adds. "We want to defeat the enemy!"
For Ukraine to have any hope of achieving that, continued US support is crucial.
It was in this southeastern region that Ukraine, in 2023, initiated a counteroffensive to push back Russian forces. However, with minimal progress, the focus has shifted to sustaining the nation. Missile and bomb strikes remain a daily threat, and the military faces relentless assaults.
Vice President Kamala Harris has hinted that military assistance would likely continue if she succeeds, but a Republican-controlled Congress could limit her influence. The ongoing aid pipeline, amounting to over $50 billion, might face significant challenges if Donald Trump returns to power.
The future US president will greatly influence Ukraine’s borders and the fate of those living within them. A potential scenario could involve pressure on Ukraine to surrender territory and freeze the conflict, leading to a division reminiscent of North and South Korea following the 1950s ceasefire that halted, but did not formally end, hostilities.
Trump has hinted at negotiating an end to the conflict, which may require Ukraine to cede land.
Another possibility is a complete withdrawal of US support, paving the way for Russian forces to overrun more regions over time.
The scenario of Ukraine reclaiming all occupied territories seems increasingly improbable.
Amid these uncertainties, the debate over supporting Ukraine’s troops has intensified, especially given the lack of major battlefield advancements.
Andriy, who manages a unit’s fleet of American armored vehicles at the front, knows the stakes. When not in use, the vehicles remain hidden under camouflage along tree lines.
"If aid stops or slows, the burden will rest on the infantry," he says. "We’ll fight with what we have, but it’s clear that Ukraine can’t do this alone."
Andriy and his fellow Ukrainians anxiously anticipate the results of the US election on 5 November. The uncertainty is stifling their strategic ambitions on the battlefield and complicating political efforts to secure additional support.
Western nations often follow America’s lead when deciding on the extent and nature of their assistance to Kyiv.
"When we hear that a candidate less inclined to support us is leading in the polls, it’s deeply disheartening and frustrating," Andriy admits. "But we’re not going anywhere."
Amid the autumn-colored fields, the soldiers eagerly showcase their American-provided equipment, including drones, grenade launchers, and mounted machine guns—all vastly superior to older, Soviet-era alternatives.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky continues to promote Ukraine as a promising investment destination, highlighting opportunities through the country’s natural resources and business ventures.
Drone operator Serhiy describes how they collaborate directly with Western manufacturers. "We have an online chat where we provide feedback and suggestions," he shares with a smile. "We’re already seeing improvements."
The war has fueled domestic innovation, as seen with drone production, and has provided a testing ground for Western companies’ products under real combat conditions.
Western aid, totaling billions, has also catalyzed reforms within some areas of the Ukrainian government. Kyiv is eager to prove it is a worthy partner.
The key question remains whether these developments will be overshadowed by a conflict that is increasingly tilting in Russia's favor.
Recognizing that an army’s strength is closely tied to the resilience of its society, we meet someone who knows the hardships of Russian aggression firsthand.
Lyubov’s daughter and grandchildren sought refuge in the United States at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
We last visited her two years ago in Komyshuvakha, a front-line village, shortly after Russian forces destroyed her home.
This time, she seemed more at peace, despite years of living near the front lines. In the warmth of her new apartment, I asked if she thought Ukraine should consider negotiating to end the conflict.
"What about those who sacrificed their lives?" she responded. "I see the end of the war only when we restore our 1991 borders, when Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk are part of Ukraine again."
Ukrainian news programs are filled with coverage of the US election, speculating how different outcomes could impact the war. Kamala Harris is widely viewed as the candidate more favorable to Ukraine, with journalists actively countering Russian disinformation targeting her.
However, in southern and eastern Ukraine, more people are expressing a desire for an immediate end to the conflict, believing a Donald Trump presidency could bring relief.
We spoke with many in and around the embattled town of Pokrovsk, where Russian forces are gradually advancing. There’s a sentiment here that Ukraine should have sought negotiations early in the full-scale invasion to avoid the immense loss and devastation.
In those early months of 2022, both sides did engage in talks, but reports of Russian war crimes ended diplomatic efforts and reinforced Ukraine’s determination to continue the fight.
"Territory isn’t worth the loss of life," one woman remarked. "We need to end this war, and Trump is the one who could make that happen."
For some, eleven years of Russian aggression is already too much.
In Ukraine’s parliament, this perspective isn't often voiced publicly. Political support for continued resistance remains strong, though President Zelensky’s “victory plan” has faced criticism for lacking a clear timeline.
Lyubov, however, refrained from openly stating her preference for the US election outcome:
"I hope a true friend of Ukraine wins, someone who will keep supporting us. But who that will be, I cannot say."
Her resilience is admirable, but she also embodies a difficult contradiction: the desire for Russia’s defeat alongside an equally strong wish for the war to end as soon as possible.
The tension between US interventionism and isolationism is felt acutely in Ukraine.
Since overwhelmingly voting for independence in 1991 during the Soviet Union's collapse, Ukraine has continually fought for its sovereignty. Positioned at the edge of a geopolitical divide, it has sought alignment with the West while facing constant pressure from Russia.
Moscow’s full-scale invasion has left Ukraine reliant on American support to prevent its disintegration.
