Donald Trump‘s presidential campaign responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s invitation for a visit, stating it’s inappropriate for Trump to go to Ukraine as he’s not currently in office.
Zelenskiy‘s request, made in an interview with Axel Springer media outlets, sought Trump’s input on ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which commenced in February 2022.
Trump’s campaign clarified there hasn’t been any formal outreach from Zelenskiy. They highlighted Trump’s public stance that visiting Ukraine wouldn’t be suitable since he’s no longer the commander-in-chief.
Traditionally, U.S. presidential candidates travel abroad to bolster their foreign policy credentials.
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump visited Mexico and met then-President Enrique Pena Nieto. However, Trump and some Republican lawmakers oppose further U.S. aid to Ukraine, except possibly a loan.
Zelenskiy’s appeal contrasts with Trump’s previous statements regarding Ukraine. Trump has criticized Washington’s support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
He’s suggested he could swiftly end the war if elected, proposing negotiations that might involve conceding territory to Russia.
The Ukrainian president expressed openness to Trump’s ideas but expressed reservations about any deal that entails ceding Ukrainian territory. Zelenskiy emphasized the need for substantive proposals rather than simplistic solutions.
Reports have suggested that Trump privately discussed pressuring Ukraine to cede Crimea and the Donbas region to Russia as a means to end the conflict. However, Zelenskiy’s skepticism underscores the complexities of resolving the situation in Ukraine.
