“We keep sending billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal,” Trump said, referring to Zelensky. The Republican candidate for the White House mocked the Ukrainian president, labeling him “probably the greatest salesman on Earth” for securing large amounts of aid from the U.S. He remarked, “Every time he comes here, he walks away with $60 billion.”
Trump, who has been vocal about his opposition to the extensive U.S. support for Ukraine, also questioned the effectiveness of the aid. “What do you have left now?” he added. “The country is absolutely obliterated.”
There had been speculation about a potential meeting between Trump and Zelensky on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York. However, U.S. media reported that the meeting might not happen, particularly after Zelensky commented in The New Yorker that Trump may not fully understand how to stop the conflict.
Earlier in September, Trump claimed to have a plan that would “guarantee” an end to the war, though he insisted he wouldn’t share details unless he wins the presidential election. He has frequently stated that he could resolve the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv within 24 hours, though he has not provided specifics.
Trump has also called on European countries to increase their financial support for Ukraine, questioning why the U.S. has taken on the bulk of the responsibility. Despite inquiries from AFP, Trump’s team declined to confirm whether the planned meeting with Zelensky had indeed been called off.
