Former U.S. President and Republican candidate Donald Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York on Friday. This meeting, scheduled for 9:45 a.m. local time, was announced by Trump during a press conference on Thursday.
The news comes just after Zelenskyy’s meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, where discussions focused on strengthening Ukraine’s position in its ongoing war with Russia.
The backdrop of Trump’s announcement carries significant political weight. As the war between Russia and Ukraine drags on, support from the U.S. remains crucial for Ukraine's defence efforts.
In Washington, Zelenskyy received assurances from President Biden that the United States would continue providing assistance, both in terms of military support and economic aid. Biden pledged an additional $8 billion in aid and announced a new weapons package for Ukraine. During their meeting, Biden reaffirmed his administration's commitment to helping Ukraine achieve victory and rebuild in the aftermath of the conflict.
Zelenskyy, for his part, expressed deep gratitude for the support the U.S. has provided since the Russian invasion began. He used social media to thank Biden and Harris, saying that his meetings with the U.S. leaders had been focused on strengthening a "Victory Plan" aimed at helping Ukraine win the war.
He emphasised the importance of continued coordination and support from the U.S. in achieving peace and safeguarding Ukrainian citizens from what he called "Putin's evil."
While Biden's stance on the war in Ukraine has been consistent and supportive, Trump’s position has drawn controversy. In the past, Trump has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he has often been critical of U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
Just days before the scheduled meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump had expressed frustration with the Ukrainian leader, accusing him of making disparaging remarks about him.
However, during his press conference on Thursday, Trump condemned the ongoing conflict, stating that the war has led to "so many deaths and so much destruction."
Trump’s decision to meet Zelenskyy at this juncture has raised eyebrows, particularly given his previous comments on the war. It also contrasts with his earlier criticism of Ukraine and Zelenskyy himself.
On Wednesday, Trump had reportedly decided against meeting with the Ukrainian president, even saying that Zelenskyy had made "nasty aspersions" toward him. This sudden change of plans has prompted speculation about the nature and outcome of the meeting.
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy’s diplomatic engagements in Washington highlighted his efforts to secure long-term U.S. support. In a series of posts on social media, Zelenskyy outlined the importance of the Victory Plan he presented to Biden, noting that the plan focused on both military strategies and post-war rebuilding efforts.
He underscored the importance of cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine and emphasised the need for continued aid to bring the war to a close and establish a lasting peace.
Vice President Kamala Harris also received praise from Zelenskyy, as he thanked her for discussing the Victory Plan and ensuring U.S. support for Ukraine’s future. Zelenskyy expressed his hope that the partnership between the two countries would help Ukraine not only in defeating Russia but also in creating a safer and more secure future for all Ukrainians.
As Trump prepares to meet Zelenskyy, the contrast between his stance on the conflict and that of the current U.S. administration will be closely scrutinised. Trump has remained critical of the U.S.'s involvement in Ukraine, while Biden and Harris have been steadfast in their support of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy will likely centre on the ongoing war and the broader geopolitical implications. With Trump seeking to reclaim the presidency, his interactions with world leaders, particularly Zelenskyy, will play a significant role in shaping his foreign policy narrative.
Observers will be keen to see how this meeting unfolds and whether it signals a shift in Trump’s position on Ukraine, especially as the conflict with Russia shows no signs of abating.
In the meantime, the U.S. Department of Defense has announced a major new security assistance package for Ukraine, committing an additional $2.4 billion to support Ukraine’s military.
The package will provide Ukraine with advanced air defence systems, unmanned aerial systems, and air-to-ground munitions, while also bolstering Ukraine’s defence industrial base. The continued support underscores the Biden administration’s determination to see Ukraine through its struggle against Russian aggression.
Follow us
