AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated former President Donald Trump on his “impressive election victory,” Wednesday, before Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the race.
After several news outlets called the election for Trump, Zelensky took to social media to congratulate the former president and express the hope that his election would “bring just peace in Ukraine closer.”
“Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his impressive election victory!” wrote Zelensky in an X post:
I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine.
I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the “peace through strength” approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.
We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States.
We are interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations. Ukraine, as one of Europe’s strongest military powers, is committed to ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe and the Transatlantic community with the support of our allies.
I am looking forward to personally congratulating President Trump and discussing ways to strengthen Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the United States.
Zelensky was accused by Republicans of effectively campaigning for Harris in September after the Ukrainian president was invited to tour a Pennsylvania ammunition factory with Gov. Josh Shapiro, a close ally of Harris.
Last month, Trump blamed Zelensky for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, declaring, “He should never have let that war start.”
In February, Zelensky tore into Trump during an interview with CNN, telling host Kaitlan Collins he couldn’t “understand how Donald Trump can be on the side of Putin,” and adding, “It’s unbelievable.”
Trump revealed in September that Zelensky had requested a meeting with him ahead of the election. During their subsequent meeting, Trump told reporters he had a “great relationship” with the Ukrainian leader.
