Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for US president, has claimed he could swiftly negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine. He announced plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, following criticism of Zelenskyy and doubts about Ukraine’s ability to defeat Russia. Trump’s announcement came shortly after US President Joe Biden announced over $8 billion in new military aid for Ukraine, and after Vice President Kamala Harris promised unwavering support for Zelenskyy.
Trump has questioned the amount of support the US provides to Ukraine, suggesting the country should have made a deal with Russia when the invasion began in February 2022. Despite these remarks, Trump reiterated his belief that he could achieve a peace agreement.
Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival, met with Zelenskyy prior to Trump’s announcement, reaffirming support for Ukraine and condemning the idea of trading land for peace with Russia. Zelenskyy had hoped to present his “victory plan” to Biden, Harris, and Trump during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly.
The relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has been strained, with Trump criticizing Zelenskyy on the campaign trail and expressing disagreement with the Ukrainian president’s recent comments in The New Yorker. Despite this, Trump and Zelenskyy are set to meet for the first time since Trump’s presidency ended in 2021.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy comes amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with both leaders hoping to make progress towards peace and stability in the region.
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