Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with former President Donald Trump at Trump Tower was not just a headline-grabber but a calculated political move from both sides.
Zelensky has spent the week making his rounds in the U.S., from addressing the U.N. to meeting with Biden and Harris and wrapping it all up with a sit-down with Trump. This unexpected visit gave both men something they needed—Zelensky, a potential lifeline should Trump win in November, and Trump, the chance to show that he’s still a key global player with some serious leverage.
In their joint remarks, Trump wasted no time praising Zelensky, noting that the Ukrainian president had been through more than most world leaders could even imagine. He even threw in a callback to the infamous first impeachment, reminding everyone how Zelensky publicly cleared him, saying, “President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong” during their 2019 phone call. That moment of levity wasn’t just a bit of reminiscing—it was a clear message from Trump: “See? Even Zelensky knows I’m not the villain they painted me as.”
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At Trump Tower, former President Trump praises President Zelenskyy of Ukraine for not “playing cute,” during his first impeachment.
Trump says that Zelenskyy could have thrown him under the bus but didn’t and that he hasn’t forgotten that. pic.twitter.com/jDanMXWatR
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) September 27, 2024
But here’s the kicker. Trump, never one to shy away from playing all sides, also mentioned his “good relationship” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, hinting that, should he win the 2024 election, he could broker a quick and fair deal to end the war. Zelensky chimed in, trying to keep the focus on the need for peace, but Trump’s veiled confidence in his ability to bring both Zelensky and Putin to the table was impossible to miss.
Trump: I have a very good relationship with President Putin
Zelenskyy: I hope we have more good relations with us
Trump: Oh, ha ha I see pic.twitter.com/5vgHy0xT0t
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 27, 2024
The real question here is: What does this mean for Zelensky? For one, it’s a smart move. Zelensky knows he might need Trump’s backing if the former president regains power. Trump’s base, along with some Republicans in Congress, have been increasingly skeptical of the billions in aid flowing to Ukraine. Zelensky aligning himself with Trump could ensure Ukraine doesn’t lose that crucial U.S. support. It also puts him in a stronger position—showing that he’s willing to work with anyone who can help his country, regardless of party lines.
For Trump, this meeting is another feather in his cap, proving that even out of office, he’s still a global force to be reckoned with. It’s also a strategic win in his campaign, signaling to both his supporters and international leaders that he’s not just about slogans—he’s ready to get back in the game and make the deals only he can make.
But the body language was telling, too. Zelensky, visibly more tense before the meeting, seemed noticeably more relaxed afterward. Maybe it was Trump’s confidence rubbing off on him, or maybe it was relief at knowing he’s potentially locked in support from both sides of the American political aisle. Either way, it was clear that the meeting left both men feeling like they’d scored a win.
This is what leadership looks like pic.twitter.com/SJMNR3Z27R
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) September 27, 2024
This meeting sends a message to Putin as well: Trump’s still in play, and if he wins, the landscape of this war might change dramatically. Trump, the self-styled dealmaker, could soon be calling the shots, and Zelensky seems eager to keep a seat at that table. For now, it’s all speculation, but one thing’s for sure—this wasn’t just a photo-op. Both Trump and Zelensky are playing the long game, and with the 2024 election on the horizon, they both have a lot to gain.
