PENNSYLVANIA, USA: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has stirred controversy by claiming that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wishes for a Democratic victory in the upcoming 2024 U.S. elections, where Trump is set to face off against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. During a recent rally in Pennsylvania, Trump described Zelenskyy as “the greatest salesman in history,” asserting that the Ukrainian leader effectively secures substantial financial aid for his country during his visits to the U.S.
Trump’s remarks highlight his belief that Zelenskyy prefers a Democratic win, implying that this would favor Ukraine’s interests. He further stated that, if elected, he would personally call both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate a peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict between their nations. However, Trump did not provide any specific details regarding his proposed peace plan.
The current political landscape shows a tight race between Trump and Harris, and while Zelenskyy’s office has not immediately responded to Trump’s comments, the Ukrainian president is in the U.S. to engage with global leaders at the UN General Assembly. He is advocating for continued support from international partners to achieve what he describes as a “just peace.”
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, the U.S. and its allies have committed billions in assistance to Ukraine while imposing sanctions on Russia. Trump, however, has criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine, labeling it a waste of resources and expressing ambivalence about whether he desires Ukraine to prevail in the conflict.
The war has led to significant casualties, displacement of millions, and widespread destruction across Ukraine. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, while Putin insists that peace talks can only proceed if Ukraine concedes territory and abandons its aspirations for NATO membership. As the conflict continues to evolve, the implications of the U.S. election on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine, remain a critical topic of discussion.