Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expresses deep concerns over the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House and potentially making unilateral concessions to Russia at the expense of Ukraine's interests. Zelenskiy labels Trump's assertions that he could end the war within 24 hours as "very dangerous" and fears the former US president might take decisions without considering both sides.
In an interview with Channel 4 News in the UK, Zelenskiy reveals his unease, emphasizing the potential consequences of Trump acting independently, stating, "If he says this publicly, that’s a little scary. I’ve seen a lot of victims, but that’s really making me a bit stressed." The Ukrainian president worries that Trump, if re-elected, might pursue an undisclosed peace plan, regardless of its alignment with Ukraine's needs.
Zelenskiy extends an invitation to Trump to visit Ukraine, a gesture he had previously withheld. However, the invitation comes with a condition – Trump must fulfill his promise to halt the ongoing conflict. "Donald Trump, I invite you to Ukraine, to Kyiv. If you can stop the war during 24 hours, I think it will be enough to come," asserts Zelenskiy.
The Ukrainian leader's remarks come in response to Trump's claims that he possesses the capability to negotiate an end to the war, a conflict that has persisted without attempts at a negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia for almost two years. Trump, while promising a resolution within 24 hours if re-elected, has refrained from disclosing details of his peace plan.
As Zelenskiy voices his apprehensions, the Biden administration signals a willingness to make concessions regarding security at the US-Mexico border to secure a substantial military arms package for Ukraine. The aid package faces obstacles from Republicans in Congress. Top Biden aides have warned that failure to authorize additional aid could lead to a Russian victory in a matter of weeks or months, prompting a global impact on alliances.
Additionally, the head of the UN atomic watchdog alerts to the re-planting of Russian mines in the buffer zone around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. This act, described as "another crime" by Ukrainian authorities, follows the removal of these mines in November. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, among the world's largest, currently operates with its six nuclear reactors offline.