Meeting Planned between Trump and Zelenskyy to Discuss Ukraine’s Victory Strategy
The Republican presidential nominee has indicated a preference for cease-fire negotiations rather than ongoing conflict in the Russia–Ukraine war.
Former President Donald Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Trump Tower property in New York City on Sept. 27.
Zelenskyy has been in the United States this week, attending events at the United Nations and meeting with world leaders to promote his “victory plan” to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Sept. 26, Zelenskyy discussed his victory plan.
Earlier in the week, he expressed his desire to share the victory plan with Trump, who could play a crucial role in its success if he wins against Harris and returns to the White House after the November elections.
“As you know, President Zelensky has asked to meet with me,” Trump announced at a press conference in New York on Sept. 26.
Throughout the campaign, Trump has shown reluctance in continuing to arm and fund Ukraine, instead signaling a push for negotiating an end to the war.
Related Stories
During a podcast appearance on Sept. 12, Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), mentioned that Trump’s peace vision might include establishing a demilitarized zone within Ukraine, possibly along the current “line of demarcation” in the conflict.
Responding to Vance’s comments in a Sept. 22 interview with The New Yorker, Zelenskyy criticized Vance as “too radical” and disapproved of any proposal that would require Ukraine to give up its territories to stop the war.
At a rally in North Carolina on Sept. 25, Trump criticized Biden and Zelenskyy’s war approach, remarking, “We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal—Zelenskyy.”
During his press conference on Sept. 26, Trump was asked about claims that Zelenskyy doubts his understanding of what it takes to end the war.
“Oh, then I should cancel my appointment now,” Trump swiftly responded, then added, “He knows. He knows I understand.”
Prior to meeting Zelenskyy on Sept. 26, Harris stated, “Nothing about the end of this war can be decided without Ukraine.”
She also noted that “some in my country” might urge Ukraine to relinquish some territory to halt the conflict.
Harris argued that these proposals are similar to what Russian President Vladimir Putin is suggesting and shouldn’t be viewed as genuine peace proposals but rather as “proposals for surrender.”
In response, Trump rejected Harris’s remarks by asserting that his peace plan does not involve surrender.
“My strategy is to save lives. I want to save lives,” he affirmed.
