Trump and Zelenskyy Fail to Meet as Tensions Mount Regarding Ukraine Aid

Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are unlikely to have a meeting during Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States this week, despite initial suggestions. Trump’s team confirmed that there is no scheduled meeting, dispelling rumors that emerged after Zelenskyy’s arrival in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Zelenskyy is visiting the U.S. to seek support for Ukraine in its conflict against Russia. He is scheduled to speak at the UN General Assembly and hold talks with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, presenting his strategy for Ukraine’s success. However, a meeting with Trump, a Republican figure critical of the U.S.’s involvement in Ukraine’s defense, will not happen​.

BREAKING: Donald Trump recently echoed Vladimir Putin’s views by blaming Volodymyr Zelensky for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This behavior is concerning. Retweet to spread awareness. pic.com/z7FXr03NLx

— Kamala’s Wins (@harris_wins) September 25, 2024

The decision not to meet comes after Trump hinted at the possibility last week. While he had mentioned a likely meeting, his team clarified on Tuesday that it was not on the agenda. Trump’s avoidance of meeting the Ukrainian President seems linked to recent events, including Zelenskyy’s visit to a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in the upcoming 2024 election​.

During a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of siding with the Democrats, especially Vice President Harris, to secure more military aid. Trump, who has long been skeptical of U.S. aid to Ukraine, called Zelenskyy “the greatest salesman in history” for consistently obtaining American financial support. He has regularly expressed opposition to U.S. assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing his intention to swiftly end the conflict if re-elected​.

Zelensky is currently touring ammunition factories in Pennsylvania and taking jabs at President Trump and JD Vance in American media.

A foreign leader is essentially advocating for Harris on U.S. soil. pic.com/580etLK72l

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 23, 2024

Zelenskyy’s visit to Scranton, a politically significant location for Trump, appears to have heightened tensions. Trump has criticized the substantial military assistance provided by the Biden administration to Ukraine, arguing that the U.S. is shouldering an unnecessary burden. While in Savannah, Georgia, Trump reiterated his belief that the conflict is not advantageous for the U.S., ridiculing Biden’s commitment to back Ukraine “until Kyiv emerges victorious.” Trump drew parallels with historical events to suggest that Russia would not be defeated, mentioning Napoleon’s failed invasion of Russia and the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II​.

The strained relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has roots in the past. During his presidency, Trump famously withheld military aid to Ukraine to pressure Zelenskyy into investigating then-candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, an action that led to Trump’s first impeachment. This history adds complexity to any potential meeting between the two leaders.

On his part, Zelenskyy has expressed doubts about Trump’s grasp of the conflict. In recent interviews, Zelenskyy dismissed Trump’s proposed peace plan, which involves freezing the conflict and halting military aid, as unfeasible and risky for Ukraine. Zelenskyy reiterated that any resolution requiring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia is unacceptable.

While Trump campaigns on promises to swiftly end the conflict through diplomacy with Russia, Zelenskyy remains steadfast that Ukraine will not compromise its sovereignty or territorial integrity. The disparity in their perspectives likely contributed to the lack of a formal meeting this week.