Trump and Zelenskyy's High-Stakes Meeting: Navigating the Future of U.S. Support for Ukraine Ahead of 2024

In a significant meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump this week, the two leaders discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with Trump continuously pledging to negotiate a resolution while on the campaign trail should he win the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. This meeting, which took place at Trump Tower in New York, came during a critical juncture for both U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as Trump is running for reelection and the war between the countries continues.

Trump, during his public statements, emphasized his belief that he could negotiate a settlement between Ukraine and Russia that would be "good for both sides." He reiterated his claims of having strong relationships with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that these relationships would be key to ending the war. Trump, however, did not provide specific details on what such a resolution would entail, which could raise concerns among many who worry that any compromise might require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.

Zelenskyy, for his part, expressed his commitment to ending the war, urging for continuous support from the United States. Standing alongside Trump, he reaffirmed the necessity for Ukraine to win the war and added, “Putin can’t win.” Zelenskyy also shared his belief that he and Trump share similar views  about the conclusion of the war needing to happen imminently. Trump has criticized U.S. military aid to Ukraine in the past, calling Zelenskyy a salesman" for securing continued funding​.

Trump’s critique of the Biden administration’s handling of the war, combined with his ambiguous position on a potential peace deal, will likely fuel speculation about how a second Trump presidency would reshape U.S. foreign policy. Trump has frequently claimed that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine had he still been in office.

The impact of this meeting on the 2024 U.S. Presidential election could be profound. While the Biden administration and Democratic leaders, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, have remained steadfast in their support for Ukraine, Trump has called for a reevaluation of U.S. involvement. Zelenskyy’s has frequented U.S. tours asking for support, which recently included meetings with Biden and Harris this past week at the White House.

Trump’s relationship with Zelenskyy has been historically fraught, most notably during Trump's first impeachment trial in 2019, which centered on his alleged attempt to pressure Ukraine into investigating Joe Biden and his son. During their recent meeting, Trump referenced this history, stating that Zelenskyy had publicly defended him during the impeachment proceedings.

For Zelenskyy, maintaining U.S. support is crucial, and his decision to meet with both Biden and Trump reflects Ukraine's need to secure aid regardless of the outcome of the 2024 election. He is aware that a Trump victory could mean a shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, potentially leading to a reduction in military and financial aid. Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign continues to walk a fine line, attempting to appeal to voters who are weary of foreign conflicts while also courting those who see U.S. support for Ukraine as a moral and strategic necessity.

As the election approaches, there are differences between the two leading candidates' approaches to Ukraine. While Biden and Harris have committed to backing Ukraine until it achieves victory over Russia, Trump has remained evasive on his endgame, focusing instead on his ability to broker a deal between the warring nations, and ending the war before a potential inauguration if Trump is elected. The outcome of the U.S. election will likely have a profound impact on the future of the war in Ukraine.

Sources

(AOL)

(Business Today)

(C SPAN)

(POLITICO)

(Stars and Stripes)

(The Independent)