Donald Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York this Friday. The Republican presidential nominee announced during a news conference that this important meeting is scheduled for 09:45 ET (14:45 BST) at Trump Tower.
Despite earlier speculation that the meeting might be canceled due to mounting tensions among senior Republicans following Zelensky’s recent visit to Pennsylvania, the discussions are proceeding as planned.
Zelensky had just met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, where he outlined his “victory plan” aimed at pressuring Russia into negotiating a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
“President Zelensky has requested a meeting with me, and I will honor that request tomorrow morning,” Trump stated. He expressed concern over the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, commenting on the significant loss of life and destruction.
Trump expressed confidence that he could facilitate a peace agreement swiftly between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he refrained from revealing specifics about potential terms.
This meeting follows Biden’s announcement of an additional $7.9 billion military assistance package for Ukraine, underscoring the U.S. commitment to supporting the country amidst its ongoing struggle. Vice President Harris emphasized that some voices in the U.S. suggest Ukraine should cede territory, describing such proposals as akin to capitulation.
When asked about ceding land to Russia for peace, Trump did not provide a direct answer but stressed the need for immediate peace to halt further loss of life and devastation.
The upcoming meeting takes place amid rising tensions between Zelensky and the Republican Party as the November presidential election approaches. Some Republican leaders criticized Zelensky’s recent visit to a Pennsylvania arms factory, labeling it a political maneuver to support Democratic candidates. House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly condemned the visit, claiming it amounted to “election interference.”
The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has been complex, particularly in light of Trump’s impeachment in 2019 over allegations he pressured Zelensky for political information regarding a rival. Recently, Trump has been increasingly vocal about his opposition to extensive U.S. funding for Ukraine and has criticized Zelensky, calling him the “greatest salesman on Earth.” In turn, Zelensky has questioned Trump’s ability to effectively resolve the conflict.
