©White House Archives
Trump and Zelenskyy Hold High-Stakes Talks, Discuss Future of US Support for Ukraine Amid War with Russia
New York, USA – Former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for crucial discussions at Trump Tower on Friday, addressing the potential impact of Trump’s presidential campaign on continued US support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing war with Russia.
During the high-profile meeting, Trump asserted that the conflict should never have occurred and pledged to facilitate a peaceful resolution if he wins the 2024 presidential election. “It’s a complicated puzzle… Too many people dead. Too many beautiful cities,” Trump stated, underscoring the urgent need for a diplomatic solution.
“I’ve been saying that I believe if I win, we’re going to have a very fair, and I think, actually rather rapid deal,” Trump noted. He emphasized, “The war should stop, and the president wants it to stop. I’m sure President Putin wants it to stop. And that’s a good combination. So we want to have a fair deal for everybody.”
Zelenskyy, who had met with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris the previous day, expressed his hope for alignment with Trump on ending the conflict. “Putin can’t win, and Ukraine has to prevail,” Zelenskyy said. Their meeting followed Zelensky’s previous criticism of Trump in an interview with the New Yorker, where he questioned the former President’s grasp of the conflict.
In his remarks, Trump acknowledged his historical connections with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that a solution could be achieved under his potential leadership. “I think we have common views that the war in Ukraine has to be stopped,” Trump stated.
While speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said he “learned a lot” from the discussion, and Zelenskyy described their conversation as “very meaningful.” Both leaders reiterated their commitment to pushing for an end to the war, with Zelenskyy extending an invitation to Trump to visit Ukraine in the future.
The talks come at a critical time as Zelenskyy seeks to secure continued US support for Ukraine’s defense amid escalating tensions, marked by ongoing drone attacks that have threatened civilians in the region. Meanwhile, the unfolding US presidential race introduces further uncertainty, as Trump’s possible return to the White House has raised concerns about the future of military aid to Ukraine.
Trump’s statement on Truth Social warned of dire consequences if his leadership does not prevail. “Without my leadership, the war will never end and will phase into WORLD WAR III,” he cautioned, adding urgency to his campaign message.
As the conflict continues to devastate Ukraine, both Trump and Zelenskyy have expressed a shared commitment to pursuing peace, leaving the door open for future discussions on a path forward.
