Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with President and president Donald Trump on Friday morning at Trump Tower in New York City. Trump announced the meeting during a press conference on Thursday afternoon in his hometown, New York City.

“President Zelensky has asked to meet with me,” Trump said. “I will be meeting with him at around 9:45 in Trump Tower. It’s a shame what’s happening in Ukraine, so many deaths, so much destruction, it’s a horrible thing.”

Trump says he will meet with Zelensky tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/UsFRwC88pA

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) September 26, 2024

Trump has consistently stated that if he wins the presidency, he will end the war between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours, intending to achieve this through direct negotiations with the two leaders. Meanwhile, his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, has continued to support providing munitions and military aid to Ukraine, a stance shared by President Joe Biden. On Thursday morning, Biden announced an additional $8 billion in weapons support for the war-torn country.

During his U.S. visit, Zelensky has been meeting with members of the Biden-Harris administration and took a tour of a munitions factory in Scranton, PA, which has been producing ammunition bound for Ukraine. Zelensky and Vice President Harris met for a joint address on Thursday afternoon.

In her speech, Harris emphasized, “The United States supports Ukraine, not out of charity, but because it is in our strategic interest. We will continue to provide the security assistance.”

“Ukraine’s fight matters to the people of America,” Harris added.

President Biden, in a recent interview, confirmed that Harris has been heavily involved in all aspects of his leadership, including domestic and foreign policy decisions. On Thursday morning, the Biden-Harris administration announced further plans to supply Ukraine with weapons, including long-range missiles, despite Biden’s earlier commitment not to provide such equipment.

"What's your message to Zelensky tomorrow?"

TRUMP: "Let's get some peace. We need peace. We need to stop the death and destruction, don't you think? Wouldn't that be nice?"

Also: "Many of the leaders have been calling me and they want to meet. I guess the see the poll numbers." pic.twitter.com/TOg8yhp9B6

— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 26, 2024

The Department of Defense’s statement outlined $2.4 billion in security aid through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This package will include additional air defense systems, unmanned aerial systems, and air-to-ground munitions, while also strengthening Ukraine’s defense infrastructure and supporting maintenance needs.

“To enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities,” the statement reads, the administration will provide the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a long-range munition.

To further bolster Ukraine’s air defenses, the Department of Defense has been instructed to “refurbish and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery and additional Patriot missiles.”

“This builds on my decision earlier this year to divert U.S. air defense exports to Ukraine,” Biden said, adding that hundreds of additional Patriot and AMRAAM missiles will be supplied over the coming year to help protect Ukrainian cities and citizens.

Biden also directed the Department of Defense to expand training programs for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, with plans to train an additional 18 pilots next year.