Zelenskiy met Trump

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump met at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, September 27.

Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Trump for the meeting, reminiscing that it had been five years since their last in-person encounter. He emphasized their shared belief that the war in Ukraine must come to an end, asserting that Putin cannot win and that Ukraine must prevail. The Ukrainian president conveyed his desire to discuss the specifics of their Plan of Victory during their conversation.

Zelenskyy acknowledged that the decision of who will become the next US president ultimately lies with the American people, but he stressed the importance of discussing joint actions following the November elections. "That's why I decided to meet with both candidates," he stated.

In response, Trump indicated his intention to collaborate with "both sides" to resolve the ongoing conflict. He remarked on the dire situation in Ukraine, describing it as a hellish experience that no one has ever witnessed before. "It’s a terrible situation," he added.

Also, Donald Trump asserted that he maintains a "very good relationship" with both Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

In his explanation of how he would resolve the conflict, Trump emphasized his positive connections with both leaders and expressed optimism about achieving a quick result. In response to Trump’s comments about his relations with Putin, Zelenskyy expressed hope for improved relations, to which Trump remarked that "it takes two to tango."

Trump noted the significance of their meeting, stating that the mere fact of their gathering was a very good sign. He reiterated that if elected, he could facilitate an agreement long before January 20, the date when the winner would officially take office. He suggested that reaching a resolution would benefit both sides, adding that President Zelenskyy was also eager to accomplish something.

Russians launch missile attack on National Police headquarters in Kryvyi Rih

Russian troops launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, on the morning of 27 September, hitting the National Police headquarters. The attack destroyed an administrative building and damaged houses located nearby.

Three dead bodies were discovered under the rubble. Five people were injured. More people still might be under the rubble, as the rescue operation continues.

Besides an administrative building, the Russians also damaged 23 houses and three nine-story buildings, as well as an educational institution. Over 80 cars, including eight official vehicles, were damaged as well.

Zelenskyy explains why he met with both US presidential candidates

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy underscored the importance of meeting with both US presidential candidates, recognizing that either could emerge victorious in the upcoming election. He emphasized Ukraine's expectation of continued support after the election and stressed the significance of planning for this collaboration in advance.

Zelenskyy stated, "It's crucial to share all our steps on how we can strengthen Ukraine. We need to make decisions now because, after November, we won’t know who will be president; only Americans can decide that. However, we understand that we can't stop Putin before November."

He added, "We hope that the strength of the United States remains robust, and we rely on it. That's why I chose to meet with both candidates."

Donald Trump praised Zelenskyy's actions during the 2019 impeachment proceedings and noted their "great relationship." He also expressed a similar sentiment regarding his rapport with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, reiterating that he could swiftly bring an end to the ongoing war.