The Relationship Between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: A Complicated History
The relationship between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has always been a little complicated. In 2019, there was the "perfect phone call," in which Trump allegedly leveraged US aid to Ukraine to pressure Zelenskyy to investigate Hunter Biden. And the more recent awkward meeting in New York during the 2024 presidential campaign in which Trump talked about his good relationship with Vladimir Putin in front of the man whom the Russian leader had reportedly tried to kill.
A New Challenge
But Trump has also expressed some grudging admiration for Zelenskyy, a fellow TV star-turned-politician who has demonstrated he knows how to close a deal. "I think Zelenskyy is the greatest salesman in history — every time he comes into the country, he walks away with $60 billion," Trump said at a rally in September.
However, after Trump’s return to the White House, Zelenskyy may now have his toughest "sales" job yet. Zelenskyy quickly congratulated Trump on his victory and the two held an initial phone call last week, which was joined by Elon Musk, and described by Ukrainian officials as somewhat reassuring. Trump also reportedly spoke with Putin over the weekend, according to the Washington Post, though the Kremlin has since denied it.
A Setback for Ukraine
The conventional wisdom is that Trump’s election is a major setback for Ukraine, coming at a moment when it is already losing territory and troops at a slow but steady rate to Russia’s relentless advance and when its civilian population is likely in for another brutal winter due to Russian strikes on the country’s energy grid. Opposition to support for Ukraine has become a core position of the Republican Party’s MAGA wing, and GOP opposition earlier this year held up a major aid package to Ukraine for months.
A New Approach
Ukrainian officials and their Western advocates are now trying a new approach to win Trump over. They are emphasizing that Ukraine is "rich in natural resources," including critical minerals like titanium, graphite, and lithium, which could be vital for the green energy transition. They are also highlighting the threat a victorious Russia would pose to the US itself, and the potential benefits of Ukraine’s advances in drone warfare and autonomous weaponry.
A Pragmatic Approach
"We understand that with Trump, it’s not about philosophy," said Hanna Hopko, a former Ukrainian parliament member and co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory, an advocacy group. "It’s not talking about a rules-based order. It’s about a very pragmatic approach."
Conclusion
While the conventional wisdom may be true that Trump’s win is a blow to Kyiv, Ukrainian leaders are still expressing some cautious optimism that they can work with the new administration. The pitch from "the greatest salesman in history" is going to have to change, and Ukrainian officials will have to rely on their ability to adapt and negotiate to get what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of the relationship between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
A: The relationship is complicated, with a history of controversy and tension.
Q: What is Ukraine’s strategy for winning Trump over?
A: Ukraine is emphasizing its natural resources, including critical minerals, and highlighting the threat a victorious Russia would pose to the US.
Q: What is the current state of US support for Ukraine?
A: US support for Ukraine has been a topic of controversy, with some Republicans opposing aid to Ukraine and some Democrats advocating for more robust support.
Q: What is the potential impact of Trump’s election on Ukraine?
A: Trump’s election is likely to be a setback for Ukraine, which is already facing significant challenges due to Russia’s aggression.