Zelenskyy claims Trump promised support for Ukraine in private meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with Fox News that during a meeting with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, he received "direct information" that Trump would support Ukraine if elected.

On 27 September, Zelenskyy met with Trump at Trump Tower in New York. The latter said that he and the Ukrainian president equally wanted a "just peace." After the meeting, Trump promised to come to "beautiful Ukraine." Zelenskyy: Only through strength can Russia be forced to respect rules

After the meeting with Donald Trump, the Ukrainian President said "I don't know what will happen after the elections and who will be president. But I received very direct information from Trump that he will be on our side, that he will support Ukraine."

The Ukrainian leader mentioned that he shared "many details that were very interesting for [Trump] to hear directly."

When asked if Trump had any questions for him, Zelenskyy confirmed, "Yes, of course, many." According to Zelenskyy, the Republican candidate was particularly interested in the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine's perspective on support from Washington, and the reasons behind Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy visited the US on 22 September, just before the presidential election, and met with key figures, including Biden, Harris, and Trump. The main goal of this visit was to ensure ongoing US support for Ukraine and present Ukraine’s victory plan.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, asserted that American officials showed “great interest” in Ukraine’s victory plan, contrary to some Western media reports. He added that the plan was received “constructively and considered” by US officials.  The victory plan reportedly was focused on acquiring more weapons and lifting restrictions on long-range missile use, which Western allies have been reluctant to approve due to fears of escalation with Russia. Read also:

• Zelenskyy: Only through strength can Russia be forced to respect rules
• “World is not black and white”: Austrian foreign minister calls for continued dialogue with Russia 
• US shows “great interest” in Ukraine’s victory plan, Zelenskyy’s spokesperson claims