Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on Friday morning at Trump Tower. This meeting comes amidst a backdrop of growing tension between the two leaders, fueled by recent Republican backlash against Zelenskyy’s lobbying activities in the United States.
Zelenskyy’s recent trip to the U.S. aimed to secure further support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. However, his efforts to appease U.S. Republicans, including Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, were met with resistance. Republicans, upset by Zelenskyy’s outreach to Democrats during the U.S. election campaign, accused him of election interference and launched an investigation.
This backlash came despite an $8 billion aid package for Ukraine, which was supported by Republicans. Concerns have emerged in Kyiv, with allies of the Ukrainian President expressing worry that Zelenskyy’s U.S. trip was not managed properly.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy follows a series of events that have strained relations between the two leaders. Trump has publicly criticized Zelenskyy, claiming that he prefers Democrats to win the upcoming 2024 U.S. election and accusing him of wasting U.S. funds by refusing to negotiate peace. Trump has also expressed frustration over continued U.S. financial support for Ukraine, claiming that Zelenskyy insulted him.
The Friday meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy will be an opportunity to address these issues and potentially bridge the growing divide between the two leaders. It remains to be seen if this meeting will ease tensions or further escalate the situation between the U.S. and Ukraine.
