In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on September 29, 2024, at Trump Tower in Manhattan. This encounter marks their first face-to-face interaction since Trump's tenure in office from 2017 to 2021.
The meeting comes during Zelenskiy's visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, an institution established in 1945 as a principal organ of the UN. Currently, the General Assembly boasts 193 member states, reflecting its global significance.
Prior to his meeting with Trump, Zelenskiy engaged with current President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on September 28. During this meeting, Biden announced a new military aid package exceeding $8 billion for Ukraine. This addition brings the total U.S. assistance to Ukraine to over $75 billion since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
The upcoming Trump-Zelenskiy meeting occurs against a backdrop of complex U.S.-Ukraine relations and the approaching U.S. presidential election on November 5, 2024. It's worth noting that the U.S. employs the Electoral College system, not the popular vote, to determine the presidential winner.
Trump has recently intensified his criticisms of Zelenskiy and Ukraine. On September 25, he suggested that Zelenskiy favored Harris in the election, and on September 27, he described Ukraine as "dead" and "demolished." These statements reflect Trump's skepticism about U.S. aid to Ukraine, which he has characterized as wasteful.
Zelenskiy, who transitioned from a career in comedy and acting to become Ukraine's President in 2019, has been actively seeking support for his country. Ukraine, the second-largest country in Europe by land area, has been a priority partner in NATO's Partnership for Peace program since 1994.
The meeting between a presidential candidate and a foreign leader during an election campaign is not unprecedented. In 2016, both Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton met with leaders from Egypt, Japan, and Ukraine during that year's UN General Assembly. However, such encounters are subject to legal constraints, particularly the Logan Act of 1799, which limits private citizens' ability to negotiate U.S. disputes with foreign governments.
This high-profile meeting takes place at Trump Tower, an iconic structure completed in 1983 on Fifth Avenue. The location's significance is amplified by its contrast with the White House, which has served as the official residence of U.S. Presidents since 1800.
As the U.S. approaches its next presidential election, it's important to note that candidates must meet specific constitutional requirements: they must be natural-born citizens, at least 35 years old, and residents for 14 years.
The upcoming Trump-Zelenskiy meeting underscores the complex interplay between domestic politics and international relations in the United States. As Ukraine continues to navigate its challenging geopolitical situation, the outcome of this meeting and the upcoming U.S. election could have far-reaching implications for both nations and the global political landscape.
"We will meet at 9:45 a.m. (1345 GMT) at Trump Tower in Manhattan."
This encounter serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the potential impact of the U.S. election on international affairs. As the world watches, the meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy may provide insights into the future direction of U.S. foreign policy and its approach to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.