Time magazine reveals 'not so warm' relationship between Ms. Harris and Mr. Zelensky

The issue has come under closer scrutiny since Ms Harris entered the race for the White House, after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal last month, according to sources.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the challenges began in early February 2022, a week before the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted, when Ms. Harris met Mr. Zelensky in Munich to present Washington’s intelligence assessments.

Time magazine said that at that time, both sides suspected that Russia would conduct a special military operation in Ukraine, but Ms. Harris's stance "was not entirely welcomed and the impression she made on the Ukrainians was mixed", because they could not agree on a response.

The Biden administration was concerned that providing advanced weapons to Kiev would reinforce “Russia’s belief that Ukraine is becoming a NATO dependent state,” the source said at the time.

At the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace conference in June, Vice President Harris represented the United States because Mr. Biden chose to attend a pre-election fundraiser in Hollywood. Time magazine said the interactions between Ms. Harris and Mr. Zelensky at the event were marked by the stiff formality typical of the two leaders.

Ms. Harris has become the Democratic candidate to face Republican candidate Donald Trump in the presidential election this November. Her candidacy is still uncertain, but according to Ms. Harris' campaign, the US Vice President has broken fundraising records and essentially secured the party's nomination immediately after being endorsed by the US President.

Meanwhile, Moscow has said it will work with whoever the American people choose next November.