Zelensky Wants Meeting with Trump before Putin Meeting for Security Agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that he and US President Donald Trump would be prudent to meet prior to Trump meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky wants to negotiate an agreement providing the US with access to Ukrainian natural resources in exchange for security assistance to allow Ukraine to defend itself against Russia.

He believes an effort is underway on the accord and seeks American security guarantees. Zelensky also responded to Trump’s recent tweet addressing him as a “dictator” by explaining that he would be offended if he were in fact a dictator but that he is the duly elected president of Ukraine. Zelensky is optimistic that a meeting with 13 leaders in attendance and 24 leaders participating online on Monday will be a “turning point” for Ukraine’s struggle against Russia.