Zelensky’s U.S. Visit A Critical Meeting with Trump Amid Ukraine’s Ongoing Struggle

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is set to meet former President Donald Trump on Friday in Manhattan, a pivotal encounter as fears mount in Kyiv about the potential impact of a Trump re-election on American aid for Ukraine. This meeting marks their first face-to-face discussion since 2019.

During his week-long visit to the United States, Zelensky has actively sought increased military and financial support from President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and bipartisan congressional leaders. However, sustaining this aid has become increasingly challenging as the war enters its third year and attention shifts to conflicts in the Middle East.

While President Biden recently pledged to bolster military aid for Ukraine, he refrained from approving Ukraine’s request to launch Western-made long-range missiles into Russia, a crucial demand from Kyiv.

Trump’s historical skepticism regarding U.S. support for Ukraine adds to the uncertainty. At recent campaign events, he has suggested that any settlement, even at the cost of Ukrainian territory, would be preferable to the current situation. He stated, “Any deal, even the worst deal, would have been better than what we have right now.”

Some Republican lawmakers echo this sentiment, with House Speaker Mike Johnson notably absent from Zelensky’s meetings on Capitol Hill and calling for Ukraine to dismiss its ambassador to the U.S.

A Potential Shift in Dynamics

Despite these challenges, some analysts argue that Trump’s unpredictability may not spell disaster for Ukraine. Sergiy Solodkyy, deputy director of the New Europe Center in Kyiv, highlighted Trump’s past actions, such as reversing the Obama-era arms embargo and approving military support during his presidency.

“Trump may say one thing publicly and act differently when in power,” Solodkyy noted, suggesting that previous support for Ukraine could resurface.

In light of this complicated landscape, Ukrainian officials are adjusting their approach to appeal to Trump’s interests, particularly regarding the American economy. Oleksandr Kraeiv from the Ukrainian Prism research institute emphasized the importance of showcasing the economic benefits of U.S. arms manufacturing to Trump’s base.

“We need to be practical and less ideologized,” Kraeiv asserted, pointing to the potential for mutual benefits in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

As Zelensky prepares for his crucial meeting with Trump, the stakes for Ukraine’s future support from the U.S. remain high. The outcome could significantly influence the ongoing conflict with Russia and the broader geopolitical landscape. Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts highlight the delicate balance of securing international aid in an evolving political climate.