Trump Criticizes Zelensky Ahead of Meeting, Discloses Private Communication
Trump and Zelensky Set to Meet Amidst Tensions
Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump Tower in New York on Friday. This meeting is happening amidst Republican criticism accusing Zelensky of campaigning for Kamala Harris using American taxpayer's money.
Trump's Criticism of Zelensky
This meeting also follows Trump's recent criticism of Zelensky for failing to secure a peace agreement with Russia. He also disparaged Zelensky, calling him the "greatest salesman on earth" just as Biden approved an additional $8 billion in defense aid for Ukraine.
Trump, while addressing a campaign rally in North Carolina, said, "Those cities are gone. They’re gone, and we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal, Zelensky. There was no deal that he could have made that wouldn’t have been better than the situation you have right now."
Trump also accused Zelensky of making "little, nasty aspersions" towards him. He expressed disappointment over the situation in Ukraine, citing the numerous deaths and extensive destruction.
Unexpected Meeting and Private Message
Earlier in the week, following Zelensky's public criticism of J.D. Vance in a New Yorker interview, the Trump campaign stated that a meeting between Trump and Zelensky was highly unlikely. However, by late Thursday, this stance changed. Trump disclosed a personal message from Zelensky, which sounded somewhat desperate, requesting an urgent meeting. Trump posted the full message on his Truth Social account.
The message highlighted Zelensky's respect for Trump and his desire for the two to understand each other and stay in close contact. This message was delivered to Trump by Denys Sienik, the deputy chief of mission for Ukraine’s US embassy.
Zelensky's Message to Trump
Zelensky's message to Trump, as posted on Truth Social, read: "All of us in Ukraine want to end this war with a just peace. And we know that without America this is impossible to achieve. That’s why we have to strive to understand each other and remain in close contact."
He continued, "Days ago, we requested a meeting with you, and I really want to hear your thoughts directly, and firsthand. You know I always speak with great respect about everything connected to you, and that’s how it should be."
Conservative Criticism and Zelensky's Request
Zelensky's recent visit to the White House has drawn criticism from conservative circles, accusing him of acting as a prop for the Harris campaign to appear 'presidential'. However, the White House has not yet fulfilled Zelensky's main request: the lifting of all restrictions on using long-range West-supplied missiles to strike Russia.
Trump's Expectations for the Meeting
Regarding the meeting with Zelensky, Trump said, "I look forward to seeing him. We’ll see — I do believe I disagree with him — well, he doesn’t know me. I disagree, but I will say this: I believe I will be able to make a deal between President Putin and President Zelensky quite quickly."
Zelensky has been promoting his 'victory plan' in Washington and is expected to try and persuade Trump to continue strong support for Ukraine if he wins the White House again in the November election.
Bottom Line
The upcoming meeting between Trump and Zelensky is certainly a significant event, given the current political tensions and their recent exchanges. The outcome of this meeting could have important implications for the future of Ukraine, particularly in light of Zelensky's 'victory plan' and his hopes for continued American support. What are your thoughts on this development? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
