DONALD Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky have met today in an exchange that could decide the fate of Ukraine – despite an ongoing frosty feud.
The two haven’t had a meeting since 2019 as Zelensky continues to pressure US politicians for American aid against Russia’s invasion.
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Trump says he’s got a very good relationship with Zelensky – and Russia’s Putin too.
The ex-president has frequently said with confidence that Russia “would have never attacked Ukraine” if he were president.
He has also not been shy in praising mad Russian leader Vladimir Putin, having previously called him a “genius” and “savvy”.
Reports previously said the meeting wouldn’t go ahead after Trump showed offence to Zelensky’s comments that the running Republican “doesn’t really know how to stop the war”.
This week Trump revealed a personal plea Zelensky sent him asking for a meeting – posting a screenshot to his Truth Social account.
In Zelensky’s message, the leader says: “Days ago, we requested a meeting with you, and I really want to hear your thoughts directly, and first hand.
“You know I always speak with great respect about everything connected to you, and that’s how it should be.
“I believe it’s important for us to have personal contact and to understand each other 100 per cent.
“I would really like for our meeting to take place, as part of our efforts to help us end this war in a just way.”
Trump posting the private conversation aligns with the heightened tensions between him and the Ukrainian leader.
The presidential election has a huge impact on the war in Ukraine which is now in its third year.
The Republican hinted at other campaign stops this week that the US had been too generous to Ukraine and made claims that Zelensky supports his Democratic opponents.
Trump has also maintained his scepticism of the US’s involvement in the war – heavily contrasting President Joe Biden and Democratic running candidate Kamala Harris – who continue to push for US aid.
Trump and Zelensky have had a consistently turbulent relationship, with Trump getting impeached in 2019 over accusations that he pressured the Ukrainian leader to dig up dirt on the Biden family.
A rough transcript of the call revealed Trump had urged Zelensky to investigate Biden – and Biden’s son.
The rare meeting comes two months after the pair had a phone call and Zelensky emphasised in a statement the importance of US support for Ukraine.