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Zelensky congratulates Trump on ‘impressive election victory’ as Republicans return to power in US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House, 26 September 2024. Photo: EPA-EFE / ALEXANDER DRAGO / POOL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated Donald Trump on his “impressive election victory” as the former US president secured over 270 Electoral College votes he needs to be formally declared the winner on Wednesday. 

Mentioning his recent meeting with Trump in New York, Zelensky stressed that he appreciated “President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs” and said that he hoped he could “rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine” from the US.

“We are interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations. Ukraine, as one of Europe’s strongest military powers, is committed to ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe and the Transatlantic community with the support of our allies,” Zelensky continued.

Other world leaders to have congratulated Trump on his victory include populist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated the Republican Party candidate, saying he was “Ready to work together as we did for four years”, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also said he was looking forward to working with Trump.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Trump’s “historic return” to the White House marked a “new beginning for America” and a “powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America”, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said: “His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again.”

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also commended Trump on his win, while Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated him by saying that his leadership would help reset relations between the two countries, according to Russian state-owned news agency TASS.