Staff Reports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, renowned for his humor, didn't miss the opportunity to playfully respond to former President Donald Trump's claim that he could swiftly resolve the Russo-Ukrainian War within 24 hours if reelected. Zelensky, in his characteristically witty style, extended an invitation to Trump to visit Ukraine and stated, "If he can come here, I will need 24 minutes—yes, 24 minutes, not more—to explain to President Trump that he can't manage this war. He can't bring peace because of … Putin."
Zelensky went further to elaborate on what he saw as Trump's approach to achieving peace, which involved conceding Ukrainian territory to Russia. He emphasized that he had no intention of compromising Ukraine's independence and firmly stated, "If he's not ready to give our territory for this terrible man—for … Putin—if you're not ready to give it, if you're not ready to give our independence, he can't manage it." Zelensky also revealed that he hadn't been in contact with Trump since his departure from office in 2021, leaving the possibility of their meeting in Ukraine uncertain.
President Zelenskyy invites Trump to Ukraine and says he needs just 24 minutes to explain to him why he ‘can’t bring peace’
Trump had claimed that he could resolve the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if re-elected. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed back on NBC News’… pic.twitter.com/RAztduRwPZ
— Yasmina (@yasminalombaert) November 6, 2023
The discussion between Zelensky and NBC anchor Kristen Welker also touched on the potential future of U.S. support for Ukraine if Trump were to be reelected. Zelensky expressed uncertainty, remarking, "I really, I don't know. Really, I don't know." He emphasized the pivotal role of the opinions of ordinary Americans and their support for Ukraine in determining the level of U.S. assistance.
In the domestic arena, support for Ukraine among both ordinary Americans and lawmakers is fluctuating. The matter of aid to Ukraine has increasingly become a partisan issue, with Republicans favoring an America-first approach, while Democrats vocally support Ukraine as a means to combat what they see as evil and authoritarianism. President Joe Biden has requested $106 billion in aid for Ukraine and other international efforts, but a political impasse over the funding package could lead to a government shutdown if not resolved by November 17.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Ukraine finds itself navigating the ever-changing currents of American politics while simultaneously grappling with the persistent conflict with Russia.
