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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – In a strategic move to rally support for its defense efforts against Russia, Ukraine has embarked on a campaign to reach deep into America's heartland, mirroring tactics used by Donald Trump in his presidential bids. On Thursday, Kateryna Smagliy, a senior official at Ukraine's embassy in Washington, visited Louisville to present Ukraine's plea for continued financial and military assistance. She held discussions with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and even high school students.

Ukraine has been active in seeking American support since Russia's invasion, including a notable visit by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to an Army munitions plant in Pennsylvania in September. These outreach efforts now hold increased importance due to Trump's anticipated return to the presidency, which has cast doubt on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.

Kentucky, a state that voted overwhelmingly for Trump, was a fitting stop for Smagliy, who recognized the need to tailor her message to appeal to Trump and his supporters. She highlighted Trump's proactive stance in supplying weapons to Ukraine and his administration's firm position on the annexation of Crimea, as demonstrated by the 2018 Crimea Declaration.

Smagliy's address aimed to underscore that a victory against Russia should be the utmost priority, asserting that peace should not come at the cost of surrender. She cautioned that surrender would lead to devastation, drawing parallels to historical atrocities to bolster her point.

Despite varying opinions on messaging strategy, with some suggesting that a focus on peace might be more effective in gaining Trump supporters, Smagliy reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to securing a durable and favorable resolution. The outreach efforts are supported by notable entities, such as the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the German Marshall Fund.

Ukrainian representatives have made visits to several states including Oklahoma, Colorado, Michigan, and Ohio, with Smagliy's visit to Kentucky marking the final stop in a significant tour aimed at fostering local support. The program has demonstrated some success, showing that even in traditionally Trump-supportive regions, there is substantial backing for Ukraine.

Through these localized efforts, proponents of Ukraine's strategy believe that winning over the American heartland can create a resilient backbone of bipartisan support. To the students in Louisville, Smagliy emphasized the importance of comprehending Ukraine's history and present struggles, ensuring that future generations are well-informed to face potential geopolitical challenges.

In summary, Ukraine's strategic outreach across the United States aims to build lasting support for its defense efforts, even amid the evolving political landscape influenced by Trump's return.