Biden’s withdrawal from the US presidential race spells new uncertainty for Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to end his campaign for reelection brings a new element of uncertainty for Ukraine, which is struggling to fend off Russian military advances even as it worries about the future of American support.

The prospect of victory for former President Donald Trump, the Republican contender, has long concerned Kyiv, which fears he would choke off support and force Ukraine to sue for peace on terms that favor Russia. The Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022, leading to more than two years of war.

But while the Democrats hope Biden’s decision to drop out and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris will inject energy into their campaign, it’s unclear whether it makes Trump’s defeat more likely. Officials in Moscow, widely thought to favor Trump, were noncommittal.

Kyiv resident Yulia Loginova said she found it impossible to predict how Biden’s departure would affect Ukraine.

“I don’t know, honestly,” she said. “Surprises every day. But he did the right thing.”

Phillips O’Brien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, said Biden’s withdrawal “changes the narrative of the campaign,” but it’s too soon to say how much it will alter the dynamic of the presidential election.

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