On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invited former President Donald Trump to visit his nation while also saying that his country needs at least one more year of the United State’s support.
Zelensky’s comments came while he was speaking with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, sharing that he would like to dissuade Trump from his usual claim that he could end the war in 24 hours.
“I invite President Trump if he can come here. I will need 24 minutes… to explain [to] President Trump that he can’t manage this war, that he can’t bring peace because of Putin,” Zelensky said. “If he’s not ready to give our territory for this terrible man if you’re not ready to give our independence…he’s very welcome.”
Zelensky said that since Trump left office, he hasn’t heard from the former president and wouldn’t know if he would support Ukraine should he return to office.
However, Zelensky did offer his thanks to President Joe Biden, saying that “he was here and I think he’s a strong man. He’s a hero.”
Funding for Ukraine has become a hot topic amongst politicians who feel that the U.S. has given too much to the nation being invaded by Russia and those who think support needs to continue.
In total, the U.S. has given nearly $113 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but not all of the aid has been spent.
In discussing the state of the war, Zelenksy shared Sunday that the next year will be crucial to pushing back against the invasion.
“The gap will be minimized in our budget and after that — after next year, if the war will not finish next year … I think we will manage to minimize this gap. And you will not help us [at] such [a] high price, I’m sure,” Zelensky said.
Currently, Biden is seeking another $61.4 billion to be sent to Ukraine, but it appears Republicans in the House and newly appointed Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) are not in favor of the request.
Zelensky shared that supporting Ukraine is in the best interest of the American public, saying that if Russia succeeds, no one will be safe.
“Don’t send your soldiers. God bless, don’t send your daughters and son to other NATO country. Because if Russia will kill all of us [in Ukraine], they will attack NATO countries, and you will send your sons and daughters,” he said. “The price will be higher…believe in democracy, believe in Ukraine.”