Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet at Trump Tower on Friday morning. This meeting allows Zelensky the opportunity to appeal directly to Trump, who has expressed doubt about continuing US security assistance to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Initially, the meeting appeared uncertain due to critical comments from both leaders, but Trump confirmed the meeting on Thursday. It remains uncertain whether Zelensky can persuade Trump to reconsider his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war and US security aid. This face-to-face meeting comes at a critical time for Zelensky as he seeks increased military assistance from the US and other countries to win the ongoing conflict.
Trump has previously raised concerns about the US funding allocated to Ukraine and has stated his intention to swiftly end the war with Russia. Zelensky has refuted Trump’s claims, asserting that he doesn’t understand how to resolve Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. Despite their differing opinions, Trump expressed anticipation for the meeting and suggested he could facilitate a deal between Zelensky and Russian President Putin swiftly. Zelensky recently met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, using the opportunity to highlight the disparities between Trump’s and Biden’s approaches to supporting Ukraine.
Zelensky’s upcoming meeting with Trump follows his White House visit and adds another layer to the ongoing US political campaign, reminiscent of the controversy involving Trump’s attempt to prompt Ukraine to investigate Biden’s son. This meeting marks the first time the two leaders are meeting in-person since the UN General Assembly over five years ago, when Trump faced impeachment proceedings over his actions involving Ukraine. While Trump disclosed a phone conversation with Zelensky on his Truth Social platform, the possibility of an in-person meeting earlier in the week seemed unlikely due to conflicting schedules.
At a rally in North Carolina, Trump criticized Zelensky for failing to negotiate with Russia and accused him of not taking effective action to end the war, contrasting with his previously held positions. Trump’s supporters in Congress have also expressed displeasure with Zelensky, particularly over his visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition plant with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, which they viewed as politically motivated. Nevertheless, Zelensky had expressed reservations about Trump’s ability to stop the conflict, noting the complexities of the situation. When asked about the possibility of Ukraine surrendering territory to Russia, Trump remained noncommittal, suggesting ambiguity regarding his stance on the issue.
