New Delhi: Former US President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Trump Tower in New York on Friday morning. The meeting came as part of Zelenskys visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, providing a platform for discussions on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trumps optimism on conflict resolutionDuring their conversation, Trump expressed his belief that he could bring an end to the war if he secured victory in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. We have a very good relationship, and I also have a very good relationship, as you know, with President Putin,” he stated. Trump asserted, “And I think if we win, I think were going to get it resolved very quickly.” Zelensky reciprocated this sentiment, expressing hope for improved relations with Trump, especially in contrast to the strained ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I hope we have more good relations than our strained ties with President Putin,” he remarked, indicating a desire for collaboration in the future.Strained dynamics and political critiqueThe meeting occurred against a backdrop of mixed reactions to Zelenskys U.S. visit, particularly after his tour of a munitions factory in Pennsylvania. The visit raised eyebrows among some lawmakers, notably House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called for Zelensky to replace Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova after no Republican officials were invited. Trump, a long-time critic of the Biden administrations support for Ukraine, has expressed skepticism regarding Zelenskys leadership in the past. This concern has been echoed by Zelensky, who remarked that Trump “doesnt really know how to stop the war.” Despite these tensions, both leaders seem united in their desire for a resolution to the conflict.Shared goal for peaceTrump, speaking to Fox News after their meeting, mentioned that he “learned a lot” from the discussion and reaffirmed their mutual interest in ending the war. He stated, “We both want to see it end and a fair deal made. It has to be fair. I think it will happen at the right time.” Zelensky echoed this urgency, emphasizing the need for increased pressure on Russia. “Putin killed so many people, and, of course, we need to do everything to pressure him to stop this war,” he asserted. “He is in our territory. Thats the most important.”
