Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the November 5 US presidential election, announced that he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. This comes despite Trump’s ongoing criticism of Zelenskyy and doubts about Ukraine’s ability to prevail in its war against Russia.
Trump made the announcement on Thursday, just hours after President Joe Biden revealed a new military aid package worth more than $8 billion for Ukraine. Zelenskyy has long sought a meeting with Trump, though the two have not met in person since Trump’s presidency ended in 2021.
During a press conference, Trump reiterated his belief that he could quickly broker peace between Russia and Ukraine if he wins the election. He stated that the meeting would take place at 9:45 a.m. in Trump Tower, New York.
When asked about the possibility of Ukraine conceding territory to achieve peace with Russia a suggestion Kyiv opposes Trump left the question open, saying, “We’ll see what happens.”
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate in the presidential race, pledged continued support for Ukraine. Speaking alongside Zelenskyy at the White House, she subtly criticized Trump’s stance, asserting that those advocating for territorial concessions were promoting “proposals of surrender.”
Earlier in the week, it seemed Trump might reject Zelenskyy’s meeting request after the Ukrainian leader visited a munitions factory in Pennsylvania with Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro. Despite this tension, Zelenskyy expressed hope to present his “victory plan” to Biden, Harris, and Trump during his US visit.
The new military aid announced by Biden includes precision-guided glide bombs, worth $5.5 billion, and additional funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Zelenskyy thanked Biden and the US Congress for the aid, emphasizing its importance in protecting Ukraine.
Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing US support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.