A Heated Debate
In a highly anticipated and possibly final debate on Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris clashed in what has emerged as one of the most contentious U.S. presidential elections in recent memory.
The debate, held amid a backdrop of domestic challenges, turned particularly heated when the discussion shifted to foreign policy, with a focus on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The evening began with Trump and Harris addressing various pressing domestic issues, including the cost of living, immigration, and abortion. However, the conversation quickly intensified when the candidates delved into their contrasting views on the war in Ukraine.
The debate occurred shortly after Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed any Russian interest in the event, stating, “It’s none of our business; it’s the business of American voters.” This statement followed recent U.S. accusations against the Kremlin-funded RT news network for election interference, which led to sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the outlet.
Vice President Harris launched a robust critique of Trump’s past statements regarding Russia and President Vladimir Putin. She recalled Trump’s earlier comments praising Putin as a “genius” and a “strong leader,” which she argued had emboldened the Russian leader. “It is well known that he [Trump] said of Putin, ‘He can do whatever the hell he wants and go into Ukraine,’” Harris said.
She accused Trump of facilitating Putin’s aggression during his presidency and asserted that the dictators and autocrats who support Trump are exploiting him through flattery and favors.
Harris also highlighted the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, attributing the country’s continued sovereignty to American military aid. “If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now with his eyes on the rest of Europe,” Harris asserted, underscoring her belief that Trump’s approach would have compromised Ukraine’s position.
In response, Trump criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the war, claiming that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine had he been in office. Trump boasted about his “good relationship” with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting that his diplomatic skills could quickly end the conflict.
“I’ll get the war with Ukraine and Russia ended—if I’m president-elect—I will get it done before even becoming president,” Trump declared. He emphasized his belief in direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow as the key to achieving peace, and criticized Biden for his approach to the conflict, warning that the situation could escalate to World War III.
Trump also questioned the U.S. financial commitment to Ukraine, arguing that European allies were contributing significantly less. He implied that if European nations did not increase their contributions, the U.S. should reconsider its protective role. “We’re in for 250 billion [dollars] or more because they [the Biden administration] don’t ask Europe,” Trump said.
When asked whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war, Trump sidestepped the question, focusing instead on ending the conflict and saving lives. “I want the war to stop. I want to save lives… people being killed by the millions,” he stated, despite official estimates of far fewer casualties.
The debate also featured contentious moments involving fact-checking. Trump claimed that “millions” had died in the Ukraine war, a figure not supported by official reports. According to a February 2024 United Nations Human Rights Office report, over two years of conflict had resulted in more than 10,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths.
Trump’s assertion that Vice President Harris had met with Putin just before the invasion to broker peace was also disputed. Harris clarified that while she had met with Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference, there was no meeting between her and Putin.
Additionally, Trump reiterated allegations against President Biden and his son Hunter, accusing them of profiting from business dealings in Ukraine and Russia. He specifically questioned why Hunter Biden received a $3.5 million wire transfer from Elena Baturina, the widow of former Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov.
While Trump has used this claim to challenge Biden, The Washington Post has reported that there is no evidence of involvement by either Biden in the transactions, which were related to real estate purchases in Brooklyn, New York.
Overall, the debate highlighted the stark contrasts between Trump and Harris on foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, and underscored the high stakes of this presidential election.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
