Trump and Zelensky discuss future support

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on the phone late this week. The call comes as Ukraine worries about continued U.S. support if Trump wins the 2024 election. Ukrainian officials are concerned that if Trump is re-elected, he may end American support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

I spoke with @realDonaldTrump to congratulate him on the Republican nomination and condemn the shocking assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. I wished him strength and absolute safety in the future.

I noted the vital bipartisan and bicameral American support for protecting our…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 19, 2024

A person close to Zelenskyy who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversation said it went “exceedingly well” and that Trump pledged to “achieve a just peace in Ukraine” if he wins back the White House. https://t.co/aiDP4Cxw47

— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) July 20, 2024

They worry this could allow Russia to keep the territory it currently occupies and put it in a position to attack Ukraine again. In a statement about the call, Trump said that as president, he would “bring peace to the world and end the war that has cost so many lives.” He added that Russia and Ukraine “will be able to come together and negotiate a deal that ends the violence.”

NEW: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with former US President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on July 19 and discussed an end-state to the war in Ukraine. 🧵(1/6) pic.twitter.com/BCT3FE7gBg

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) July 20, 2024

Zelensky said he emphasized “the vital bipartisan and bicameral American support for protecting our nation’s freedom and independence” during the call. He and Trump agreed “to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting.” This was the first call between Zelensky and Trump since Trump left office in 2020.

Zelenskyy's spokesman:

During the conversation between the Ukrainian president and Donald Trump, there was a discussion about the possibility of the latter's visit to Ukraine, but it is early to discuss specifics. pic.twitter.com/rcXHjLRVxK

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) July 20, 2024

Ukrainian authorities have not publicly commented on building bridges with Trump’s camp.

Support discussions amid U.S. election concerns

However, officials have been quietly engaging with his advisors, hoping to shape his views on Ukraine. Oleksandr Kraiev, the head of the North America Program at Ukrainian Prism, a Kyiv-based think tank, said Ukrainian diplomats have been working on strategies to persuade Trump to continue supporting Ukraine. They are mindful of his unpredictable stance on foreign policy. Kraiev suggested that Kyiv could frame its objectives in line with two of Trump’s top interests: his image as a strong leader and his focus on the American economy. “We can connect with Trump on these two specific topics,” Kraiev said. The call between Trump and Zelensky comes at a crucial time as international focus remains on Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election could have significant implications for Ukraine’s future and its ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.