Trump and Zelenskyy meet in New York amid rising questions about U.S. support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meets with former President Trump amid tensions over Ukraine's defense against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived on Friday (September 27, 2024) for a meeting with former American President Donald Trump as public tensions have been rising between the two over Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion.

“I think we have a common view that the war in Ukraine has to be stopped and Putin can’t win,” Mr. Zelenskyy said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

After arriving together at a conference room on Friday (September 27, 2024), Mr. Trump said, “The fact that we’re even together today is a very good sign.”

The visit is taking place at Trump Tower in New York, a day after Vice President Kamala Harris, Mr. Trump’s Democratic opponent, met with the Ukrainian leader and expressed unwavering support.

The meeting is highly anticipated and comes as Election Day nears, with Mr. Trump and Ms. Harris taking sharply different positions on backing Ukraine in the third year of its war with Russia.

Mr. Trump has in recent days praised Russia’s historic military victories and insisted the U.S. needs “to get out” and end its involvement with Ukraine.

Friday's (September 27, 2024) meeting almost wasn't scheduled despite Mr. Zelenskyy’s office saying something had been planned during the Ukrainian leader’s visit to the U.N. General Assembly, during which he is making his endgame pitch to allies.