Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in an interview with Fox News, broadcast on Saturday, that he received “very direct information” from former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Zelensky, Trump assured him that he would support Ukraine in its war against Russia if re-elected in the November presidential election.
Zelensky, who was in the United States attending the United Nations General Assembly, presented his “victory plan” for the war to Trump during a closed-door meeting on Friday. This meeting came after the Republican presidential candidate stated that he would work with both Ukraine and Russia to end the conflict.
Speaking to Fox News after the meeting, Zelensky said, “I don’t know what will happen after the election or who will be president, but I received very direct information from Donald Trump that he would be on our side, and he would support Ukraine.”
Zelensky’s Victory Plan
During his U.S. visit, Zelensky pushed for his “victory plan,” which an unnamed U.S. official described as a rephrased request for more weapons and the lifting of restrictions on long-range missiles. According to this official, the plan assumes Russia’s ultimate defeat in the war, a goal some U.S. officials see as unrealistic.
Zelensky also met with U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, as well as current President Joe Biden, seeking unified American support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky maintained neutrality regarding the U.S. presidential election, stating he does not favor any particular candidate.
Trump’s Changing Tone on Ukraine
Trump expressed pleasure in meeting Zelensky on Friday, a notable shift in tone compared to his earlier campaign statements. This meeting highlights the divisions between Trump and Harris on Ukraine, reflecting broader differences within their respective parties about the U.S. role in global conflicts.
While Trump and some Republicans in Congress have questioned the value of additional U.S. funding and arms for Ukraine’s two-year war against Russia, dismissing it as ineffective, Democrats, led by Biden, have sought to punish Russia and support Ukraine. They consider Ukraine’s victory a vital national security interest for the United States.
