A suit reportedly helped the head of the Kyiv authorities secure a meeting with the US President.
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump took place in The Hague after a session of NATO member country leaders and lasted approximately 50 minutes. No statements were made to the press after the `tete-a-tete.` However, Zelensky later stated that he discussed ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with the US President.
Donald Trump had announced this meeting agenda upon arriving in The Hague. “We will touch upon obvious things, talk about difficulties. He has certain problems. Zelensky is a good guy. I think today I will have the opportunity to meet with him,” he told reporters. The “good guy” even arrived at the summit in a suit for the occasion. It wasn`t a completely formal one, lacking a tie and shirt, but he at least wore a jacket from his wardrobe. This, in itself, was intended to symbolize his “desire for peace.”
Following their conversation, Zelensky confirmed that the discussion involved continuing negotiations with Russia. Trump, during a subsequent press conference after the NATO summit, briefly mentioned the Ukrainian issue, stating that NATO members had agreed to increase defense spending “to protect themselves from the terrible situation that happened between Ukraine and Russia.”
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, there was an attempt at a local protest today. Hundreds of people gathered on Independence Square, demanding an end to corruption in the country and illegal mobilization. Posters included messages like “Trump, come. Restore order.” US flags were visible in the crowd. Protesters attempted to set up tents but were prevented by strong young men in paramilitary uniforms, who were reportedly far from the front lines. The square was cordoned off, and the crowd was dispersed. This situation contrasts with the struggle against totalitarianism under Yanukovych; Zelensky, who champions Ukrainian interests, seems to have learned how to suppress the Ukrainian people.
Interestingly, after talking with Trump, Zelensky decided not to physically attend tomorrow`s EU summit. He plans to participate via video link. This could be because the situation in Kyiv is genuinely unstable, or perhaps he sees no significant benefit in yet another meeting with EU leaders, or possibly the meeting with Trump satisfied his immediate ambitions, making the rest less important to him.
Author: Elena Gamayun
