Trump Praises Ukraine’s Fight, Zelenskyy Reports Gains in New York Meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump met in New York on Tuesday during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The two leaders discussed the situation on the battlefield, U.S. support for Ukraine, and broader security issues.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the joint press conference.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian troops had achieved fresh gains. “Using the PURL program, our military has deoccupied 360 sq km and captured over 1,000 Russian soldiers in recent months,” he told reporters.
In turn, Trump praised Kyiv’s resilience. “Ukraine is now very successfully stopping this powerful army. We have great respect for the struggle Ukraine is waging. It is simply wonderful,” he said.
The U.S. president was asked whether Washington would offer Ukraine security guarantees similar to those being discussed within the European Union.
Trump declined to give a direct answer, noting, “We will talk about it. I hope we will have the opportunity to discuss this a little later. Right now it is too early to respond.”
On energy, the U.S. president said he could pressure Hungary to cut its reliance on Moscow. “I think Orban will stop buying Russian oil if I talk to him. I will talk to him,” Trump noted.
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Slovakia could stop purchasing Russian oil and gas if it were provided with viable alternative supply routes.
Asked by reporters whether NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircrafts if they violated allied airspace, Trump stated firmly: “Yes!” He also urged NATO allies to take a harder line against Moscow.
Later, the U.S. president, responding to a question about whether he trusts Russian President Vladimir Putin, said he would “let you know in a month.”
He also predicted that the Russian-Ukrainian war is far from over, noting that Russia had expected a quick victory but is now bogged down in heavy fighting after three and a half years. “Russia does not look very successful… it seems this will not end for a long time,” Trump said.
After the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as “good” and “the most comprehensive” of all.
“A very good meeting today. It's too early to point out any specific elements of the meeting, a little later, but it was really, probably, the most comprehensive,” the President said.
Zelenskyy was also asked whether he would nominate U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize if he ended the Russian-Ukrainian war.
“If Trump ends it, absolutely. I am sure Ukrainians would too. I would do it with pleasure, because it would be the end of a great mission,” he noted.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last met on August 18 in Washington, shortly after Trump’s talks in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That meeting was attended by several European leaders who joined discussions on ending the war, territorial issues, and future security guarantees for Ukraine.
As The Gaze reported earlier, Zelenskyy has informed U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg about the progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive near Pokrovsk and Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine.