Zelensky, Trump hold high-stakes exchange

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky held high-stakes talks Friday following several attacks by the White House hopeful on the Ukrainian president as the looming American election raises questions over long-term U.S. support for ally Kiev in its war with Russia.

Foreign policy hawks have voiced fears that a second Trump term would spell disaster for Ukraine's defense, as the Republican has repeatedly defended Russia's President Vladimir Putin while voicing skepticism over U.S. funding for Kiev.

Zelensky had met Trump's election rival Kamala Harris, as well as President Joe Biden, on Thursday in Washington and both pledged their support for Ukraine.

Trump — who this week accused Zelensky of refusing to "make a deal" to end the conflict — vowed to bring peace if he wins a second term in office as the two men addressed reporters after their tete-a-tete at Trump Tower in New York.

"It's a shame but this is a war that should have never happened and we'll get it solved. It is a complicated puzzle," Trump said. "Too many people dead. Too many beautiful cities."

  'A just peace' 

Before the meeting, which lasted less than an hour, the former U.S. president had hailed his alliance with Zelensky but added: "I also have a very good relationship — as you know — with President Putin."

Zelensky responded that the pair shared a "common view that the war in Ukraine has to be stopped" and that it is imperative that Ukraine prevail.

Later in a post on X, Zelensky described the meeting as "very productive."

"I presented him our Victory Plan, and we thoroughly reviewed the situation in Ukraine and the consequences of the war for our people," Zelensky wrote. "Many details were discussed. I...