Ukraine war briefing: Trump says he will ‘probably’ meet Zelenskiy in US next week
GuardianSep 25
Trump, Zelenskyy Meet in NY
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Above: Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US Pres. Donald Trump meet in New York on Sept. 27, 2024. Image copyright: Alex Kent/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Former US Pres. Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, met with Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York on Friday.
Prior to the meeting, Trump characterized his relationship with Zelenskyy as "very good" while also saying he has a "very good relationship" with Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin. Trump noted that the three-year war between the countries "has to end" because Zelenskyy and his country have "gone through hell like few countries have."
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump showed his diplomatic side by agreeing to meet with Zelenskyy despite the Ukrainian president's criticisms of the former US president. Trump's relationship with Putin will help get the two sides to the bargaining table. No one has yet found a solution to this crisis, so it'd be wise for Zelenskyy to follow Trump's path to lasting peace in the region.
Democratic narrative
Personal history with Trump should tell Zelenskyy to be wary of any promises. It was Trump's ethically murky call with Zelenskyy that got the former president impeached, and Trump has been vocal on the campaign trail about his skepticism over continuing to support Ukraine.
