The outcome of the US presidential election will not only set the course for the country's future. It will also have an existential impact on Ukraine.

America has been the biggest supporter of Ukraine in its attempt to defend itself against Russia's invasion in 2022. Under President Joe Biden, the US has so far supplied military intelligence, cash and advanced weapons worth nearly $175 billion (€161 billion) to help Ukraine.

Whoever is elected president on November 5 could hold Ukraine's destiny in his or her hands. When that candidate is inaugurated on January 20, 2025, the war in Ukraine will have been going on for nearly three years.

The US has three options: cutting aid to Ukraine, keeping the status quo or reaching for a more assertive approach, says Michaela Mattes, a professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in international conflict and cooperation.

Democratic presidential candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris has been clear about her support for Ukraine.

"Harris has pledged to stay with Ukraine as long as it takes," Shawn Donahue, a clinical assistant professor of political science at the University at Buffalo in New York, tells DW. He says Harris would also be "more likely to allow US long-range weapons to be used against targets inside Russia."

Mattes agrees that, at the very least, Harris will continue with the status quo and support Ukraine and keep Russian sanctions in........

© Deutsche Welle