Republican candidate for US president, Donald Trump, has claimed he could quickly end the Ukraine war after criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the campaign trail. Trump announced that he would meet with Zelenskyy in New York, just hours after President Joe Biden pledged $8bn in military assistance for Ukraine and Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris promised unwavering support.
Trump has questioned US support for Ukraine and suggested the country should have made a deal with Russia when Moscow invaded in February 2022. Despite doubts about Ukraine’s ability to defeat Russia, Trump reiterated his confidence in securing a peace deal with the country. When asked if Ukraine may have to cede territory for an agreement, Trump did not rule it out, saying “We’ll see what happens.”
Harris, in a veiled reference to Trump’s comments, expressed support for Ukraine and criticized those advocating for a land swap with Russia as supporting surrender. Despite tensions, Harris and Zelenskyy have met multiple times, while Trump has not met the Ukrainian president in person since leaving office.
Zelenskyy, hoping to present his “victory plan” to Biden, Harris, and Trump, upset the Trump campaign by visiting a munitions factory in Pennsylvania with a Democrat governor. Trump continued his criticisms of Zelenskyy, suggesting the President favored Harris in the election and calling Ukraine “dead” and “demolished”. Trump also disagreed with Zelenskyy’s remarks in a New Yorker interview, stating that the Ukrainian leader doesn’t know him.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy comes amidst increasing tension and uncertainty surrounding US support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
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