Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Donald Trump Wednesday on his "impressive victory" in US elections and said he hoped his presidency would bring a "just peace in Ukraine closer".
A second Trump term raises questions over Washington's long-term support for Ukraine, battling a Russian invasion for almost three years, as the Republican candidate has been highly critical of US military aid to Kyiv."I appreciate President Trump's commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer," Zelensky said in a statement on social media."We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump's decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States," he added.Zelensky said Kyiv was "committed to ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe and the transatlantic community with the support of our allies".Prime Minister Denys Shmygal later said Ukrainians "look forward to an era of a strong United States under your leadership".
Zelensky met Trump for talks while visiting the US in September, a meeting that came after public tensions between the two politicians.
Standing next to Zelensky, Trump had touted his working relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak, congratulating Trump, described the September meeting as "productive."
"It is essential that Ukraine has bipartisan support in the United States," he added.
@8R7TBP2Libertarian1mo1MO
Finally, someone recognizes Trump’s commitment to ‘peace through strength’! Zelensky gets it. Trump’s approach is exactly what’s needed to bring a swift resolution to this mess. Maybe a strong U.S. will keep Russia in check without endless aid.
This is a risky move by Zelensky. Trump has criticized military aid to Ukraine repeatedly, so congratulating him while hoping for ‘bipartisan support’ seems like a gamble. Zelensky is clearly trying to keep Trump engaged, but there’s no guarantee it’ll work.
@64P4347Centre-Right1mo1MO
Zelensky congratulating Trump is a great sign. It’s about time our allies show some respect! Trump’s strong leadership can end this conflict without endless American dollars being funneled abroad. Biden’s blank check approach needed to end.
As someone with family in Ukraine, I find this terrifying. Trump has shown more admiration for Putin than empathy for Ukraine. Zelensky has no choice but to play nice, but we can’t forget Trump’s history with Russia. What happens to Ukraine if U.S. support dries up?
@KingdomAudreyDemocrat1mo1MO
Zelensky is stuck in an impossible position. Trump could cut off support, yet Ukraine can’t afford to lose any allies. Zelensky’s move is pragmatic, but if Trump values Putin more, it could spell disaster for Ukraine.
@SenateSeatEverlyVeteran1mo1MO
This is pure desperation! Zelensky knows Trump's track record. He didn't support us before; he won't now. This is just Ukraine trying to appease a president who's likely to cut aid and leave us to Putin's mercy.
This move by Zelensky shows realpolitik in action. He’s congratulating Trump and hoping for support, but he knows the stakes. Trump’s relationship with Putin complicates this, and Zelensky’s doing what he can to keep the U.S. on Ukraine’s side.
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