Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to have a phone call on Friday, as confirmed by sources familiar with the plans. This conversation would be their first since Trump's departure from the White House. The timing of this call has raised concerns in Europe regarding Trump's potential policy towards the ongoing Ukraine war if he were to win the upcoming presidential election in November.
Schedules for such high-level communications can often change, as noted by one of the sources. Discussions about arranging a call between the GOP nominee and the Ukrainian president have been ongoing for some time.
Trump has previously stated his belief that he could swiftly resolve the Ukraine conflict, but his specific approach to achieving peace remains uncertain. During a recent debate with President Joe Biden, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Putin's proposed terms for a resolution, which include Ukraine ceding territories currently occupied by Russia.
Notably, Trump and his supporters have criticized the provision of US military aid to Kyiv. Zelensky, during his recent visit to the US, remarked that many are eagerly anticipating the outcome of the November election, including Russian President Putin. He characterized Biden and Trump as distinct individuals who both advocate for democracy, suggesting that Putin may hold negative views towards both.
Trump's recent meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, their second encounter in under six months, has also drawn attention. Orban, following a meeting with Putin in Moscow, conveyed to European leaders that Trump is willing to serve as a mediator for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
