Zelensky and Trump Agree to In-Person Meeting to Discuss Sustainable Peace with Russia

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stated that during a conversation with Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the upcoming U.S. presidential election, they agreed to an "in-person meeting" to discuss steps for sustainable peace with Russia. Zelensky announced this news early Saturday, July 30, on his page on the X network. He wrote that after Trump accepted his party's nomination, the conversation took place to congratulate him on this matter and to condemn the assassination attempt against him in Pennsylvania. According to the Ukrainian president, he referred to the "vital" support of both main parties and both chambers of Congress for Ukraine during the conversation, and both parties agreed to discuss actions that could make peace in the region "fair and truly" sustainable. Zelensky emphasized in his tweet that "Ukraine will always appreciate U.S. assistance in strengthening our ability to resist Russia. Russian attacks on our cities and villages continue every day." The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has killed tens of thousands on both sides, is now in its twenty-ninth month and shows no signs of ending. Russia currently occupies about 17% of Ukraine. Donald Trump described his conversation with the Ukrainian president as a "very good call" and promised to end the war between Russia and Ukraine "through negotiation." Trump stated that if he wins the election on November 5, he will end the war in Ukraine even before taking office in January. He also mentioned that if he had been president when the Kremlin sent its forces to Ukraine in February 2022, the war would not have occurred. The Republican candidate for the U.S. election promised on his social media platform "Truth" that as president, he would "bring peace to the world and end a war that has cost many lives." He added, "Both sides can negotiate an agreement that ends the violence and paves the way for prosperity." Zelensky's call with Trump comes amid increasing concerns in Kyiv and other European capitals about the possibility of a four-year Trump presidency. Zelensky stated that with Trump's potential victory, it would be difficult for Ukraine. The chances for Republicans to win the November 2024 election have improved following Joe Biden's poor performance in last month's debate, which raised questions about his physical and mental condition. Trump has previously praised Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, calling the tactics used by the Kremlin leader before the invasion of Ukraine "genius" and has repeatedly criticized NATO's European allies for not spending more on the collective defense pact. Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives, closely aligned with Trump, blocked Biden's $61 billion aid package to Ukraine for months, resulting in Ukrainian forces facing shortages in ammunition and air defense. Experts say the ammunition shortages have contributed to Russia's territorial gains this year. Trump has not clarified his stance on future support for Ukraine, although this week, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, a vocal opponent of aid to Kyiv, was chosen as his running mate. Zelensky stated that without U.S. assistance, Ukrainian forces would have to retreat. This 39-year-old senator has claimed that the United States does not have the military capacity to support Taiwan, Israel, and Ukraine simultaneously and should prioritize the first two. In a 92-minute speech on July 28, Trump said that if he wins the election, he will initiate global peace and stability. He had previously stated that he would resolve the Ukraine war before stepping into the White House in January 2025. However, Trump has not specified what conditions he would propose to Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky has stated that his goal is to expel Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which the Kremlin seized in 2014. Following Ukraine's failed counteroffensive in 2023, some experts say Kyiv's goals are unrealistic and that Ukraine must make concessions. Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, traveled to Florida in July to discuss ending the war in Ukraine with Trump. This meeting followed Orban's visits to Moscow and Beijing. Zelensky and Trump have a complicated relationship that dates back to the early days of Zelensky's presidency. In July 2019, two months after Zelensky became President of Ukraine, Trump asked Zelensky to investigate Hunter Biden's business dealings in Ukraine. Trump was impeached by the Democrat-controlled House for allegedly using the power of his office to pressure Zelensky to interfere in U.S. politics in exchange for a visit to the White House, making him the third president in U.S. history to be impeached. However, the Senate acquitted him. With increasing speculation about Donald Trump's potential re-election as President of the United States, Volodymyr Zelensky stated on July 29 that Trump's victory in the upcoming November election would be difficult for his country. In an interview released by the BBC Global on Thursday, Zelensky remarked on the possibility of Trump's re-election, saying, "This issue is difficult for his country, but Ukrainians are prepared for it."