In the dimly lit war room deep inside Kyiv’s government building, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s aides gathered around a large, glowing screen. Each day, they received detailed survey results from across the globe. Today was no different. The numbers flashed in front of them, showing public sympathy levels, media coverage metrics, and political endorsements. This information was vital. Ukraine was a small country caught in a brutal war with Russia, a global powerhouse. Every move, every appearance by their president, was meticulously crafted to gain international sympathy, maintain the flow of support, and keep morale high.
Zelensky, the face of their resistance, was central to their strategy. A baby-faced leader with a scruffy beard, always in his signature dark blue sweater, he projected the image of a humble, courageous fighter. The world needed to see him as the brave underdog, the David standing firm against Goliath. His simplicity, his earthy look—these were as important as the weapons and money Ukraine desperately needed to survive.
But not everyone bought into this image. During a rally in Pennsylvania, former U.S. President Donald Trump took to the stage, mocking Zelensky. "I think Zelensky is the greatest salesman in history. Every time he comes into the country, he walks away with 60 billion dollars,” Trump sneered, to the laughter of his supporters. Trump’s criticism was blunt and stung in Kyiv. The aides exchanged uneasy glances. Trump had a point: Zelensky’s demands were specific, calculated. He was no stranger to hard business-like negotiations, clearly outlining what he needed and how much. And yet, for Ukraine, these were life-or-death discussions.
While Trump framed Zelensky as a savvy negotiator, others still stood firmly behind the Ukrainian president. President Joe Biden, despite a recent verbal slip where he accidentally called Zelensky “Putin,” continued to support Ukraine. It was a gaffe that caused some embarrassment, but nothing too damaging. Zelensky understood the stakes, and his trips to Washington remained critical for securing aid.
As Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepared to meet Zelensky again, the air was tense. The U.S. presidential election was looming, scheduled for November 5. Trump, the Republican candidate, had made his stance clear, hinting that under his leadership, things would change. “I would do differently - I will work out peace,” Trump had promised, implying that the blank checks to Ukraine might come to an end. Harris, on the other hand, represented the Democrats’ unwavering support for Ukraine, and Zelensky knew which side he preferred in this political game.
The aides knew the next meeting in Washington was crucial. Zelensky needed to navigate these shifting tides carefully. Their strategy was clear: maintain the image of a brave, underdog nation led by a determined leader. It was true that Zelensky was good at business. But in this case, business meant survival. And for Ukraine, there was no room for error.
All names of people and organizations appearing in this story are pseudonyms.
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