Zelenskyy invites Trump to Ukraine to witness impact of Russian aggression

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit Ukraine, urging him to witness firsthand the devastation caused by Russia’s ongoing invasion.

In a statement on Sunday, Zelenskyy said such a visit would provide Trump with a clearer understanding of the war and the consequences of Russian military actions.

“We respect your position, but before making any decisions, especially regarding negotiations, come and look at the people, citizens, soldiers, churches, children,” Zelenskyy said. “Come, look, and you will understand who you are dealing with. You will understand what Putin did.”

The Ukrainian leader warned against trusting Moscow, citing repeated attacks on Ukrainian cities as evidence of Russia’s disregard for peace efforts.

“This means that we cannot trust Russia, this means that we cannot trust negotiations with Russia,” he said, referencing the continued bombardment of civilian areas.

Zelenskyy also voiced concern over what he described as the spread of Kremlin narratives among some US politicians.

“How can you, seeing our losses and suffering, understand what the Russians are doing and still believe that they are not aggressors?” he asked. “This indicates the enormous influence of Russian information policy on America, on politics and politicians.”

The Ukrainian president stressed that, in his view, Trump – whom he described as a “strong president of a strong country” – should stand firmly with Ukraine.

“I think it is wrong that America wants to be neutral,” Zelenskyy said.