What Trump and Zelensky Said to Each Other—And What Ukrainians Think of the US President
Kyiv, Ukraine – The relationship between former U.S. President Donald
Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been the subject of
intense scrutiny since their infamous 2019 phone call, which played a key role
in Trump’s first impeachment. Now, as discussions of U.S.-Ukraine relations
resurface, many Ukrainians are reassessing Trump’s past interactions with their
country—and what his possible return to the White House could mean for them.
What
Trump and Zelensky Said to Each Other
During their 2019 phone call, Trump
asked Zelensky to investigate Hunter Biden, the son of then-presidential
candidate Joe Biden, in exchange for military aid. The conversation sparked
controversy in the U.S., leading to Trump’s impeachment by the House of
Representatives, though he was later acquitted by the Senate.
Zelensky, a former
comedian-turned-politician, maintained a diplomatic stance throughout the call.
While he assured Trump of Ukraine’s commitment to fighting corruption, he
avoided directly addressing Trump’s request. Following the release of the call
transcript, Zelensky insisted that he did not feel pressured by Trump, though
political analysts argue that Ukraine, heavily dependent on U.S. military aid,
was in no position to push back.
More recently, Trump has made statements
suggesting that, if elected again, he would seek to quickly end the
Russia-Ukraine war—though he has not detailed how. Some of his remarks,
including claims that he could have prevented the war, have been met with
skepticism in Kyiv.
How
Ukrainians View Trump
Public opinion on Trump in Ukraine
is divided. Some Ukrainians, particularly those who support conservative
politics or believe in Trump’s claims of strong leadership, view him as a
decisive figure who could negotiate an end to the war. However, many others
remain wary, remembering his history of withholding military aid and his mixed
messages regarding Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression.
“I don’t trust Trump at all,” said
Oksana Melnyk, a Kyiv resident whose family was displaced by Russian attacks.
“When he was president, he played games with our security. We can’t afford that
now.”
Others, like business owner Andriy
Kovalenko, believe Trump’s transactional style of diplomacy could bring an end
to the war sooner. “If Trump makes a deal that stops the fighting, that’s all
that matters,” he said. “We need peace, no matter who delivers it.”
What’s
Next?
With the U.S. presidential election
approaching, Ukrainians are closely watching the race between Trump and current
President Joe Biden. While Biden has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine,
providing billions in military aid, Trump’s potential return to power brings
uncertainty. If reelected, will Trump continue to back Ukraine, or will he seek
a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin that compromises Ukraine’s
sovereignty?
For now, Ukraine’s leadership is
maintaining a careful approach. President Zelensky has said he is willing to
work with any U.S. administration, but Kyiv is undoubtedly hoping for continued
military and financial support in its fight against Russia.
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