Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in New York on Friday, amid growing tensions over U.S. support for Ukraine in its ongoing defense against Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of stopping the war, stating, “I think we have a common view that the war in Ukraine has to be stopped and Putin can’t win.” Trump echoed optimism, saying, “the fact that we’re even together today is a very good sign.”
The meeting at Trump Tower took place just a day after Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic opponent, expressed unwavering support for Ukraine in her meeting with Zelenskyy. This encounter comes at a crucial time, with Election Day nearing, and reflects contrasting positions between Trump and Harris on the U.S.’s role in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
In recent statements, Trump has criticized continued U.S. involvement in Ukraine, calling for an end to American support and even praising Russia’s military history. Zelenskyy’s office had initially announced a scheduled meeting, which was uncertain until recently, as Trump has repeatedly questioned the depth of U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s defense.
Zelenskyy, in an interview with The New Yorker, expressed concerns about Trump’s stance, implying that Trump oversimplifies the complexities of the conflict. He described Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, as “too radical,” for suggesting Ukraine should “sacrifice” by ceding territories.
Trump’s recent remarks in North Carolina referred to Ukraine as a “demolished” country, criticizing Zelenskyy for not negotiating sooner. In contrast, Harris, in her appearance with Zelenskyy, labeled Trump’s call for a quick resolution as “proposals for surrender.”
Notably, Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a Trump ally and Ukraine supporter, met Zelenskyy privately during his recent Capitol Hill visit, serving as a potential intermediary between the Ukrainian president and Trump. Despite differing views within the Republican camp, some Trump allies argue that supporting Ukraine aligns with U.S. interests in countering Russian aggression.
