Zelensky Congratulates Trump on Landslide Victory; Meeting Planned Amid Adviser Declaring "Crimea Is Gone"

Nov 9, 2024, 02:07 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his landslide victory, stating that the two leaders have agreed to "maintain close dialogue." The two presidents had a "wonderful phone conversation" that was brief but productive, discussing general matters concerning the Ukrainian-American strategic partnership. Preliminary planning is underway for a meeting between Zelensky and Trump, as confirmed by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who noted, "The speed of the telephone conversation immediately after Trump won the election is a direct indication of a pre-existing contact." Meanwhile, Bryan Lanza, a senior adviser to Trump, stated that the incoming administration will prioritize achieving peace in the Ukraine conflict over enabling the country to regain lost territory. He commented, "And if President Zelensky comes to the table and says, well we can only have peace if we have Crimea, he shows to us that he's not serious. Crimea is gone." Russia has expressed openness to hearing Trump's proposals on ending the war.