Trump Criticizes Zelensky, Claims Ukrainian Leader Favors Harris in US Election

In a recent rally in Pennsylvania, former US President Donald Trump made controversial statements about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of favoring Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming US election. Trump's remarks come as Zelensky visits the United States, highlighting the ongoing debate over US support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Donald Trump, who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, referred to Zelensky as a "salesman," claiming that the Ukrainian leader prefers Harris to win the election because of the Democratic administration's support for Ukraine. Trump stated, "I think Zelensky is the greatest salesman in history," suggesting that Zelensky's visits to the US result in substantial financial aid for Ukraine.

The former president's comments followed Zelensky's visit to Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state with 19 electoral votes that could significantly impact the November 5, 2024, presidential race. Zelensky toured a munitions factory in Scranton, the birthplace of current President Joe Biden, which produces 155mm artillery shells used in Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

Trump proposed a different approach to ending the conflict, stating, "I would do it differently, I will work out peace." He suggested that if re-elected, he would immediately contact both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a deal. However, Trump has not provided specific details about his proposed peace plan, which some speculate might involve territorial concessions by Ukraine.

In response to Trump's claims, Zelensky expressed skepticism about the former president's ability to swiftly end the war. In an interview with The New Yorker, Zelensky stated, "My feeling is that Trump doesn't really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how." The Ukrainian president warned against any solution that would require Ukraine to cede territory, arguing that such an approach could potentially trigger a global conflict.

The ongoing debate over US support for Ukraine has become a significant issue in the presidential campaign. The US Congress approved approximately $61 billion in funding for Kyiv in April 2024, overcoming resistance from some Republican lawmakers aligned with Trump. This financial support has been crucial for Ukraine's defense efforts since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War on February 24, 2022.

Zelensky's visit to Pennsylvania is seen as potentially beneficial for Vice President Harris, who has been focusing on the state's substantial Polish-American community, estimated at around 750,000 people. The Rust Belt state's significance in the election is underscored by current polls suggesting a close race.

As part of his US visit, Zelensky is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly in New York and meet with President Biden and Vice President Harris. He is expected to present his "victory plan" to the White House and seek permission to use Western-provided missiles for strikes deep inside Russia, further emphasizing the complex nature of the ongoing conflict and its impact on international relations.

The contrasting approaches of Trump and the current administration to the Ukraine conflict highlight the significant foreign policy differences that voters will need to consider in the upcoming election. As the campaign progresses, the issue of US support for Ukraine and strategies for resolving the conflict are likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse.

"Every time he comes into the country, he walks away with $60 billion. But I would do it differently, I will work out peace".

This ongoing debate underscores the complex interplay between domestic politics and international affairs, with the outcome of the US election potentially having far-reaching consequences for global geopolitics and the future of Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression.