In a recent interview with Fox News, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed that he received strong assurance from Donald Trump that, were he to regain presidency in the upcoming November election, he would assist Ukraine in their conflict against Russia. Zelenskiy, who visited the United States in anticipation of the UN General Assembly, disclosed his “victory plan” for the war to Trump during a closed-door assembly last Friday.
Following this conference, Zelenskiy told Fox News, “I cannot predict the outcome of the elections or who will become the next president. However, Trump has made it clear that his support will lie with Ukraine.”
Throughout his visit, he worked on raising awareness for his “victory plan”, seen by a US representative as a revised plea for further armaments, as well as lifting the limitations on long-range missile usage. This strategy operates on the assumption that Russia will eventually be defeated in the war, an aim viewed by some officials as impracticable.
Zelenskiy, who also met with US vice-president Kamala Harris and current president Joe Biden, affirmed that he was soliciting unified US support for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. He stressed that he did not favour one side in the US elections, saying, “I have no desire to participate in the election period or risk alienating any part of the American population.”
Trump voiced his satisfaction with meeting Zelenskiy last Friday; a notable contrast to his earlier remarks about Zelenskiy during his electoral campaign.
The diverging views on Ukraine shared by Trump and Harris reflect the overarching divisions within the Democratic and Republican parties, and their diverse perspectives on America’s global role. Trump and some Republican Congress members have criticised providing additional aid or weaponry for Ukraine’s two-year war against Russia, deeming it an ineffective effort. In contrast, Democrats, led by Biden, are advocating for sanctions on Russia and reinforcing Ukraine, regarding a Ukrainian victory as essential for national security. – Reuters
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