Former US President Donald Trump has expressed his commitment to stop providing billions of dollars to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky if re-elected this year. During the conservative conference held by Turning Point Action, he criticized Zelensky’s constant requests for financial aid. Trump referred to Zelensky as “the greatest salesman” due to his success in obtaining billions of dollars during each visit to the United States.
The US and other G7 nations recently announced a $50 billion loan for Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets. While it is incorrect that Zelensky specifically asked for an additional $60 billion after leaving the G7 gathering in Italy, he has consistently urged Western allies to provide more cash and weapons. In April, Zelensky heavily lobbied Republican lawmakers to approve a $61 billion military aid package.
Trump assured supporters that if elected, he would resolve the situation with Ukraine before taking office as President-elect. He reiterated his stance on the conflict in Ukraine, asserting that it “never would have happened” under his presidency. Trump has argued that US President Joe Biden’s policy of continuous military support for Ukraine is leading the country towards a potential third world war and has claimed he could end the conflict within 24 hours if elected this November.
Although Trump has not detailed how he would achieve this, recent reports suggest that his strategy would involve leveraging the US’s substantial military aid to Kiev in order to pressure Zelensky into accepting the loss of some territories previously under Ukraine’s control. However, Trump did not actively oppose the $61 billion aid package proposed in April and instead advocated for lending money to Zelensky rather than gifting it outright.