President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Wednesday urged President-elect Donald J. Trump to help strengthen Ukraine against Russian aggression.
“For us in Ukraine, and all across Europe, it has always been crucial to hear the words of the then 45th President of the United States about ‘peace through strength,’” Mr. Zelensky wrote on social media. “When this principle becomes the policy of the 47th President, both America and the entire world will undoubtedly benefit.”
Mr. Zelensky added: “It’s no coincidence that Ronald Reagan is mentioned so often these days — people want confidence, they want freedom, they want a normal life. For us, that means a life free from Russian aggression, with a strong America, a strong Ukraine, and strong allies.”
Mr. Zelensky has emphasized that defending his country is in America’s best interests because Ukraine is rich in natural resources, an attempt to appeal, perhaps, to Mr. Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy.
But Mr. Trump, who met with Mr. Zelensky in New York in September, has often shown disdain toward Ukraine and Mr. Zelensky himself, even going so far as to blame him for starting the war. Mr. Trump’s claim that he could arrange a deal to end Russia’s assault of Ukraine before he takes office in January has stoked concerns that he would force the Ukrainians into a bad deal by cutting off military support.
Earlier this year, Mr. Trump tried to get Republican lawmakers to block legislation pushed by President Biden that had a robust military aid package for Ukraine.
Mr. Trump has expressed skepticism about keeping up U.S. weapons aid to Ukraine, and he has also consistently expressed admiration for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and other autocrats.
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