Fact Check: Trump Praises Ukraine as 'Very Brave' After Meeting with Zelenskyy
What We Know
Following a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a NATO summit, former President Donald Trump referred to Ukraine as "very brave." This statement was made during a press conference where Trump expressed positive sentiments about the meeting, stating, "We had a rough time, but he’s a nice guy actually," in reference to Zelenskyy. Trump also mentioned that the U.S. would consider providing new air defense missiles to Ukraine, which would significantly enhance support for the country amidst ongoing conflicts (Semafor, ABC News).
Zelenskyy described the meeting as "long and substantive," indicating that they discussed strategies for achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace in the region (Semafor).
Analysis
The claim that Trump praised Ukraine as "very brave" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Both Semafor and ABC News reported on Trump's remarks, highlighting his acknowledgment of Ukraine's courage in the face of adversity. The context of the meeting, which took place during a NATO summit, adds weight to the significance of Trump's comments, especially considering the historically tumultuous relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy following the impeachment inquiry related to Ukraine in 2019.
The reliability of the sources is high; Semafor is known for its political reporting, and ABC News is a well-established news organization with a reputation for factual reporting. Both outlets provided direct quotes from Trump, ensuring that the information presented is accurate and verifiable. Furthermore, the positive tone of Trump's remarks signals a potential shift in his approach to Ukraine, which has been characterized by skepticism in the past (ABC News, Semafor).
Conclusion
The claim that "Trump praises Ukraine as 'very brave' after meeting with Zelenskyy" is True. The evidence from reliable news sources confirms that Trump made these remarks during a NATO summit, reflecting a notable shift in his public stance towards Ukraine. His comments, alongside Zelenskyy's description of the meeting, indicate a constructive dialogue aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
