In a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump has announced he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on Friday. This news comes shortly after Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, where he met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss further support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
Trump’s announcement was made in a viral video where he stated, “As you know, President Zelensky has asked to meet with me, and I will be meeting with him tomorrow morning at around 9:45 in Trump Tower.”
The meeting will undoubtedly attract significant attention, particularly given the current political climate. Both Trump and Harris are vying for the Presidency in the upcoming US elections, with Trump running as a Republican and Harris as a Democrat.
During Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, Biden reiterated the US’ unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that the US will “continue to stand by them every step of the way.” He announced a “surge in assistance” to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia, including measures to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and long-range strike capabilities.
Meanwhile, Vice President Harris strongly condemned suggestions that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia in pursuit of peace, calling them “dangerous and unacceptable.” She declared, “They are not proposals for peace, instead they are proposals for surrender.”
Trump has previously expressed criticism of US assistance to Ukraine and has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has also faulted Zelenskyy for the ongoing bloodshed. When asked if Ukraine should give up territory, Trump said, “we’ll see what happens” and “we need peace.”
It remains to be seen what will be discussed during the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. Trump has rejected Harris’ criticisms of his stance on the conflict, maintaining that his objective is to end the “horror show that’s gone on.”
This meeting is expected to generate considerable media attention and political debate, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the upcoming US elections. The outcome of the meeting and its potential impact on the war remain uncertain.
