Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky visited an ammunition factory in Pennsylvania on Monday alongside Democrat lawmakers to thank the workers for producing critical munitions for Ukraine’s conflict against Russia.
Zelensky was seen touring the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant and rubbing shoulders with Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) and other Democrat politicians like Sen. Bob Casey (Pa.) and Rep. Matt Cartwright (Pa.).
“I visited a plant that manufactures 155 mm artillery shells. Now, for our warriors who are defending not only our country, not only Ukraine, the plant will be ramping up production,” Zelensky wrote on X.
During my visit to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, where components for artillery and mortar shells are produced, including 155 mm shells for Ukraine, I emphasized the dedication of the workers, which is truly inspiring—they are helping Ukraine stand strong in our fight for… pic.twitter.com/rs0vLZRlVU
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 23, 2024
“It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail. Thanks to people like these—in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries—who work tirelessly to ensure that life is protected,” he added.
Scranton, Pennsylvania. I visited a plant that manufactures 155 mm artillery shells. Now, for our warriors who are defending not only our country, not only Ukraine, the plant will be ramping up production.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 22, 2024
I began my visit to the United States by expressing my gratitude to all… pic.twitter.com/OXnvqHclkM
In a cringe political stunt, Shapiro was also seen autographing artillery bound for Ukraine as Zelensky stood over his shoulder.
We must all do our part in the fight for freedom — from the workers in Scranton who make Pennsylvania the arsenal of democracy to the brave Ukrainian soldiers protecting their country.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 23, 2024
We stand with Ukraine in their just defense of their homeland in the face of Russian… pic.twitter.com/5VnYRfQOm5
Shapiro and Zelensky also signed an agreement establishing a partnership between Pennsylvania and the Ukrainian province of Zaporizhzhia.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American freedom – and our Commonwealth proudly stands with the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom against naked aggression,” Shapiro said in a media release. “I’m proud to welcome President Zelenskyy and his delegation to Scranton – to visit with the women and men who are fueling his country’s fight for freedom – and sign an agreement with Zaporizhzhia that will strengthen both states and foster collaboration for years to come. Pennsylvania looks forward to building a close relationship with Zaporizhzhia as we continue to stand on the side of freedom.”
At the same time, Zelensky spoke with U.S. media outlet The New Yorker to criticize GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance (Ohio)
“My feeling is that Trump doesn’t really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how,” Zelensky claimed. “With this war, oftentimes, the deeper you look at it the less you understand. I’ve seen many leaders who were convinced they knew how to end it tomorrow, and as they waded deeper into it, they realized it’s not that simple.”
“The fact that Ukraine desires a just victory is not the issue; the issue is that Putin has zero desire to end the war on any reasonable terms at all.” Read a new interview with Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky. https://t.co/RYkVI0rI7W
— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) September 22, 2024
Zelensky went on to disparage Vance as “way too radical” because he only wants to “give up our territories” to Russia, to which The New Yorker’s Joshua Yaffa replied, “Yes, that’s the gist of it.”
“I don’t take Vance’s words seriously, because, if this were a plan, then America is headed for global conflict. It will involve Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Taiwan, China, as well as many African countries,” Zelensky said. “That approach would broadcast to the world the following implicit rule: I came, I conquered, now this is mine. It will apply everywhere: land claims and mineral rights and borders between nations. It would imply that whoever asserts control over territory—not the rightful owner but whoever came in a month or a week ago, with a machine gun in hand—is the one who’s in charge. We’ll end up in a world where might is right. And it will be a completely different world, a global showdown.”
Zelensky will also meet Joe Biden at the White House this week to present a “victory plan” that includes a pathway for Ukraine to join NATO and a “sustained supply of advanced weapons.”
Zelensky’s visit with Democrats in the pivotal swing state of Pennsylvania with just 43 days until the election raised eyebrows among many on social media who claimed the Ukraine president was essentially campaigning for Democrats.
So let me get this straight…
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 23, 2024
Zelenskyy shakes down American taxpayers for billions of dollars to fight his no-win war with Russia, and then has the audacity to campaign against Trump/Vance while in the swing state of Pennsylvania?
Foreign interference!! Outrageous. https://t.co/aTELZKvfcy
“Worth noting that Zelenskyy was flown to Pennsylvania on an U.S. Air Force C-17,” wrote former U.S. House staffer Dan Caldwell. “The Biden-Harris admin is using military assets to fly a foreign leader into a battleground state in order to undermine their political opponents.”
Worth noting that Zelenskyy was flown to Pennsylvania on an U.S. Air Force C-17.
— Dan Caldwell 🇺🇸 (@dandcaldwell) September 23, 2024
The Biden-Harris admin is using military assets to fly a foreign leader into a battleground state in order to undermine their political opponents. https://t.co/OSebVUuBEg pic.twitter.com/biMGTfAc1J
This is an impeachable offense on the part of Biden-Harris. And dangerously reckless move on Zelensky's part to campaign for Harris in a battleground state on U.S. taxpayer funds. https://t.co/IHfp7vCauk
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) September 23, 2024
Foreign election meddling.
— Andy Ngo 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) September 23, 2024
It's wild to see Zelensky not only touring ammo factories but also taking shots at Trump and JD Vance. A foreign leader essentially campaigning for Harris on American soil raises serious questions.
— James Reichert (@_jamesreichert) September 23, 2024
Zelenskyy doesn't want Trump because he knows he won't be able to get unlimited funding for Ukraine. Under Biden-Harris Zelenskyy gets whatever he wants.
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) September 23, 2024
Zelensky is openly campaigning for Democrats in battleground Pennsylvania today some 50 days out from our Presidential election.
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) September 23, 2024
Unreal.
This is what foreign election meddling looks like.
— Liberacrat™️ (@Liberacrat) September 23, 2024
He better watch his words— especially cause 1/20/25, when Trump is back in office— he will shut Zelenskyy down.
Literal foreign interference. And the nerve of this POS to talk about not wanting Ukraine to shoulder the cost. We've been funding this quagmire for the past 2 1/2 years.
— AdamInHTown (@AdamInHTown) September 23, 2024
Though it’s not unusual for a world leader to express support for a particular U.S. political candidate, it is unprecedented for a world leader like Zelensky to campaign for a political candidate on U.S. soil.