Trump criticizes Zelenskyy over claims he could end the Ukraine war

Former President Donald Trump made headlines on Wednesday by openly criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a campaign event in North Carolina. This occurred as Zelenskyy was in the United States to present his so-called “victory plan” to both President Joe Biden and candidates for the upcoming 2024 elections.

Trump accused Zelenskyy of “making little nasty aspersions” toward him, although he did not specify what those remarks were. Zelenskyy’s recent interview with The New Yorker included criticisms aimed at Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

In his interview, Zelenskyy remarked on Trump’s assertions that the Russia-Ukraine conflict would not have occurred if he had been president. He expressed doubt regarding Trump’s ability to resolve the war, saying, “My feeling is that Trump doesn’t really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how.”

Zelenskyy warned that the complexities of such conflicts often defy oversimplified solutions. He added, “I’ve seen many leaders who were convinced they knew how to end it tomorrow, and as they waded deeper into it, they realized it’s not that simple.”

Furthermore, Zelenskyy criticized Vance as being “too radical” in suggesting that Ukraine would have to relinquish territory occupied by Russia. This stance, he argued, implies that Ukraine must make unjust sacrifices in the ongoing conflict.

During his speech, Trump claimed that Ukraine is “obliterated,” with towns and cities destroyed beyond repair. He stated, “millions and millions” are dead and accused Ukraine of relying on young children and older men due to a shortage of soldiers.

Trump lashed out at Zelenskyy, dubbing him “the greatest salesman on Earth” as he questioned the extensive U.S. financial aid provided to Ukraine in its struggle against Russian forces. He asserted, “Those buildings are down. Those cities are gone. They’re gone. And we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal.”

Earlier, at another campaign event in Georgia, Trump expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s chances of winning the war and praised Russia’s military capabilities. He claimed, “We’re stuck in that war unless I’m president. I’ll get it done. I’ll get it negotiated. We’ll get out.” Trump emphasized the cyclical nature of war, asking what would happen if Ukraine were to lose, while recalling Russia’s historical military successes.

Zelenskyy is expected to meet with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday for discussions centered around his “victory plan.” This proposal includes specific demands for military assistance that Ukraine believes are essential to deter Russia and end the conflict, as well as key diplomatic and political measures, according to sources close to the Ukrainian leader.

Despite Trump’s earlier indications that he would likely meet with Zelenskyy, it appears that no such meeting will take place during the Ukrainian president’s visit to the U.S. this week. Sources revealed that Trump’s plans for a meeting were never confirmed.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a prominent Republican, has also opted out of meeting with Zelenskyy. This decision follows a previously announced meeting that Johnson later canceled, stemming from recent criticisms he has leveled at Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova regarding a planned tour for Zelenskyy at a U.S. munitions plant.

When questioned about a potential discussion with Zelenskyy regarding a Trump-Vance administration’s approach to the conflict, Vance indicated that “everything’s going to be on the table” in the negotiation process, pointing out that the ongoing war has diverted significant resources that could otherwise support American families.

Vance echoed Trump’s stance to a degree, stating that the president had clearly articulated that “Russia would have never invaded Ukraine if he had been president,” and emphasized the need for negotiations to resolve the conflict.

In contrast, President Biden remains steadfast in advocating for continued support for Ukraine. In his closing remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, he asserted the importance of global solidarity in aiding Ukraine, saying, “The world now has another choice to make: Will we sustain our support to help Ukraine win this war and preserve its freedom, or walk away?” He emphasized that the U.S. would not back down from its commitment to Ukraine.

Source: ABC News