Trump and Zelenskyy to Convene for Ukraine Strategy Meeting
The Republican presidential nominee has indicated a preference for cease-fire negotiations over ongoing fighting 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 on a visit to the United States this week, attending events at the United Nations and meeting with world leaders to advocate for his “victory plan” to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
During his visit, Zelenskyy also met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Sept. 26 to discuss the victory plan.
Earlier in the week, he expressed a desire to share the victory plan with Trump, emphasizing the importance of Trump’s support should he win the White House again after the November elections.
“President Zelensky has requested a meeting with me,” Trump announced at a press conference in New York on Sept. 26.
Throughout the campaign, Trump has indicated a reluctance to continue providing military aid to Ukraine and has shown interest in negotiating a resolution to the conflict.
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In a podcast appearance on Sept. 12, Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), suggested that Trump’s peace plan could involve establishing a demilitarized zone within Ukraine along the current front line of the conflict.
In response, Zelenskyy criticized Vance in a Sept. 22 interview, calling him “too radical” and rejecting any proposal that would require Ukraine to give up territories in order to achieve peace.
During a campaign rally in North Carolina on Sept. 25, Trump criticized Biden and Zelenskyy’s strategies for the war, accusing them of providing aid to Zelenskyy despite his refusal to negotiate.
During a press conference on Sept. 26, a reporter asked Trump about Zelenskyy’s doubts regarding Trump’s understanding of what it takes to end the war.
“Oh, then I must cancel my meeting immediately,” Trump replied, before affirming, “He knows. He knows I understand.”
Prior to her meeting with Zelenskyy on Sept. 26, Harris emphasized the importance of Ukraine in any decision regarding the end of the war.
She warned against pressure for Ukraine to concede territory as part of peace negotiations, likening such proposals to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s terms and labeling them as “proposals for surrender.”
In response, Trump defended his peace plan, emphasizing his goal of saving lives rather than surrendering.
“My strategy is focused on saving lives. That’s my aim,” he stated.
