Ukraine takes center stage at Trump-Harris presidential debate – U.S. journalist

Espreso correspondent Natalia Starepravo interviewed her U.S. colleague to discuss the debate between former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

In particular, the Voice of America reporter noted that the debate focused on foreign policy. Specifically, on the war in Ukraine. 

“It was uncommon to see such an emphasis on foreign policy in a presidential debate. Usually it focuses on domestic concerns, and issues like the economy, jobs, and abortion rights. While those were addressed, foreign policy, especially Ukraine, took center stage,” Gypson underlined.

Harris also argued that Trump cannot handle talks with such authoritarian leaders as Vladimir Putin. 

“Kamala Harris directly challenged Trump, saying that European and NATO leaders were worried that if Trump had been in office, the war in Ukraine would’ve ended with a swift victory for Vladimir Putin. She argued that Trump cannot be trusted to handle negotiations with such authoritarian leaders. Some very harsh words from Kamala Harris,” Gypson said.

The U.S. correspondent added that it was very important that Ukraine came up so often in the debate. It brings foreign policy, particularly the war in Ukraine, back into the attention of American voters.

“We're dealing with a lot of tough domestic issues here in the United States, and this will reintroduce the discussion, which hasn’t been a focus since Congress passed the latest round of U.S. aid to Ukraine earlier this year. It's good for it to return to public discussion, especially as we look at the two very different approaches these candidates offer. Having Donald Trump as president again would mean a very different future for Ukraine compared to Kamala Harris. American voters should definitely take that into account when they head to the polls,” she summarized.