Why the president has begun a flurry of diplomatic visits now is a little unclear. The war is threatening to enter a new phase: a “frozen conflict,” which (without new infusions of arms) might drag on for many years on Russian terms. Perhaps Zelensky believes his former pose of defiance from Kyiv is no longer sufficient to hold allies to their commitments, and the case for more aid can only be best made in person.
There is mild consternation in Brussels that an aspirant EU member like Ukraine would send its president to visit London first — although Zelensky is expected there this week.
But whatever the political fallout from his trip to the capital, Zelensky aims to use these trips to ensure continued support and goodwill from allies and friends, and to have Ukraine’s supporters effectively compete to support his internationally popular cause. It seems to be working. Both the American president and the British prime minister have used Zelensky’s visits to announce an intensification of aid.
[When you face an invasion all on your own, you do whatever you can to keep friends engaged. The Brits of all people know this from the 1939-41 period before the US and Soviet Union entry into World War II, especially after the fall of France in June 1940 and the Blitz. — Ed]
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