Zelensky congratulates Trump, noting commitment to ‘peace through strength’ approach

By Tara Suter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered former President Trump his congratulations Wednesday, after Trump was projected to win the 2024 presidential election.

“Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his impressive election victory! 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,” Zelensky wrote in a post on the social platform X.

He added that he admires 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,” the Ukrainian leader continued. “I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.”

The Hill/Decision Desk HQ called the race for Trump early Wednesday, securing a second term four years after losing to President Biden.

Trump met with Zelensky last month amid the nearly three-year war in Ukraine. The former president highlighted his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the interaction and implied he could make a deal end the war “very quickly.”

However, at a rally in South Carolina in February, Trump told a story from his first term in office where he spoke to another leader of a NATO country, saying he would “encourage” Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” if the country was “delinquent” in payments to the security alliance.

“One of the presidents of a big country stood up, said, ‘Well, sir, if we don’t pay and we’re attacked by Russia, will you protect us?’” Trump said at the rally. “I said, ‘You didn’t pay, you’re delinquent.’ He said, ‘Yes, let’s say that happened.’ No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.”Despite scrutiny that has followed the threat, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also extended his congratulations to the president-elect.

Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Harris, has been a strong backer of Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Still, Zelensky gave an optimistic message.

“We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership,” he said in his post. “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,” he added. “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.”