Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky convened at Trump Tower in New York City on September 27, 2024, to discuss potential resolutions for the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. The meeting, occurring amidst the US presidential campaign, highlighted the complex dynamics between the two leaders and their nations.
During the encounter, Trump expressed gratitude towards Zelensky for his role in the 2019 impeachment proceedings. The former US president stated, "He was like a piece of steel. He could have grandstanded and played cute, and he didn't do that." This reference to the impeachment case, which began five years ago, underscores the lasting impact of that political event on their relationship.
The 2019 impeachment, initiated by the House of Representatives, centered on allegations that Trump had pressured Zelensky to investigate the Biden family in exchange for military assistance. The scandal involved Hunter Biden's position on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian natural gas company, from 2014 to 2019. Despite the impeachment, Trump was ultimately acquitted by the Senate in February 2020.
Trump, now campaigning for a second term, has pledged to negotiate a "good deal" to end the Russia-Ukraine war if re-elected. He stated, "We have a very good relationship, and I also have a very good relationship, as you know, with President Putin. And I think if we win, we're going to get it resolved quickly."
Zelensky, who assumed office as Ukraine's president in 2019, arrived at the meeting to present his "Victory Plan" for Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader, navigating complex international relations, responded to Trump's statement by expressing hope for improved bilateral relations.
The meeting occurred against a backdrop of public disagreements between the two leaders. In recent campaign speeches, Trump has criticized Zelensky's approach to the conflict, stating on September 25, 2024, "The president of Ukraine is in our country, and he's making little nasty aspersions toward your favorite president: me." He also commented on Ukraine's current state, noting the devastating impact of the ongoing war.
Zelensky, while maintaining a publicly positive stance towards Trump, has expressed doubts about the former president's ability to resolve the conflict. In an interview with The New Yorker, he stated, "My feeling is that Trump doesn't really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how."
This meeting, occurring less than two months before the US presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024, underscores the intricate relationship between US domestic politics and international affairs. As the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, continues to impact global dynamics, the outcome of the US election could significantly influence the conflict's resolution.
"Any deal – the worst deal – would've been better than what we have now. The people are dead, and the country is in rubble."
The encounter between Trump and Zelensky at the iconic 58-story Trump Tower symbolizes the ongoing interplay between past political events and current geopolitical challenges. As both leaders navigate their respective political landscapes, the future of Ukraine and its relationship with the United States remains a critical issue on the international stage.