Trump to meet Zelenskyy in New York amid criticism over US aid to Ukraine

Former U.S. President and current Republican candidate Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday morning at Trump Tower in New York. The meeting comes after Zelenskyy’s earlier discussions with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, which centered on continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.

Trump’s announcement raised eyebrows, given his past criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Both Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, have been vocal opponents of the extensive financial support the U.S. has provided to the Eastern European nation since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Trump reiterated his concerns during his announcement, stating, “It’s a shame what’s happening in Ukraine: so many deaths, so much destruction. It’s a horrible thing.” He also highlighted the disproportionate financial burden borne by the U.S., pointing out that European countries contribute far less despite their geographic proximity to the conflict.

Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.S. comes at a critical time for the Ukrainian leader. His Thursday meeting at the White House with President Biden resulted in an announcement of nearly $8 billion in new aid for Ukraine, including $5.5 billion from the Department of Defense and $2.4 billion in additional security assistance. The package includes advanced weaponry, such as the Joint Standoff Weapon, which will enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. Zelenskyy called the aid “a great help,” while Biden reaffirmed America’s commitment to Ukraine, saying, “Russia will not prevail in war. Ukraine will prevail, and we’ll continue to stand by you every step of the way.”

Despite the U.S. government’s ongoing support, Trump has repeatedly questioned the effectiveness of continued military assistance, focusing instead on finding a diplomatic solution. In a recent debate, Trump sidestepped a direct question on whether he supported Ukraine’s victory, stating only, “I want the war to stop.” He has long claimed that he could swiftly bring an end to the conflict but has provided little detail on how he would achieve that outcome.

Zelenskyy has previously expressed skepticism about Trump’s approach. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, the Ukrainian president remarked that he believed Trump “doesn’t really know how to stop the war.” Trump responded to the criticism during his announcement, saying, “I do believe I disagree with him. He doesn’t know me.” He added, “I believe I will be able to make a deal” to end the war.

Tensions between Zelenskyy and Vance have also surfaced. The Ukrainian president recently labeled Vance as “too radical,” to which Vance responded, “I don’t appreciate Zelenskyy coming to this country and telling the American taxpayers what to do.” These remarks underscore the potential challenges in U.S.-Ukraine relations should Trump win the upcoming presidential election.

Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump is set to take place amid his broader visit to the U.S., which includes participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York. While Democratic leaders, including President Biden, continue to affirm their support for Ukraine, the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting hints at possible shifts in policy depending on the outcome of the 2024 election.

As Trump prepares for the meeting, he remains confident in his ability to negotiate a resolution to the war, despite the Ukrainian president’s reservations. “I look forward to seeing him tomorrow,” Trump told reporters. The meeting, scheduled for 9:45 a.m., may signal the beginning of a new phase in U.S.-Ukraine diplomacy, one that could potentially reshape the future of the conflict.