“We’re going to work very much with both parties to try and get this settled,” Trump told reporters while standing alongside Zelensky.
“We have a very good relationship, and I also have a very good relationship — as you know — with President Putin. And I think if we win, I think we’re going to get it resolved very quickly,” Trump added.
“I hope we have more good relations,” Zelensky cut in.
“Oh, I see,” Trump responded. “But it takes two to tango, you know. And we’re going to have a good meeting today. And I think the fact that we’re even together today is a very good sign.”
The two, who met at Trump Tower in New York City, shook hands and spoke briefly to the press before sitting down for talks.
“I think that we can work out something that’s good for both sides. It’s time,” Trump said. “By the way, the president [Zelensky] knows that too. He wants to get something done. He doesn’t want to do this.”
Trump, who has often voiced his deep skepticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine, said it was “an honor” to meet with Zelensky.
At a rally Wednesday, Trump joined other Republicans criticizing Zelensky over perceptions that he favors Democrats in November’s election.
Trump also has mocked Zelensky for only coming to the U.S. government for financial help.
“Every time Zelensky comes to the United States he walks away with $100 billion, I think he’s the greatest salesman on Earth,” Trump said Tuesday at a campaign event in Savannah, Ga.
The U.S. has provided Ukraine about $60 billion in military assistance since Russia first attacked the country in February 2022.
Zelensky too has voiced frosty views of his one-time counterpart, telling the New Yorker that “Trump doesn’t really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows.”
Asked Friday why he decided to meet with Trump, Zelensky said the two had a “common view” on ending the conflict and, regardless of who wins the election, he hoped U.S. support would continue.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
