Zelensky says can't predict what Trump would do if he wins, pushes US leaders to 'make strong decisions' now

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (July 9) urged US leaders in Washington to move forcefully in supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion, rather than waiting for the result of the November presidential election.

Speaking at the Ronald Reagan Institute on the eve of the NATO summit, Zelensky said that the whole world was waiting for the elections, but that it was time "to make strong decisions".

"Everyone is waiting for November. Americans are waiting for November, in Europe, Middle East, in the Pacific, the whole world is looking towards November and, truly speaking, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin awaits November too," he said, as quoted by Reuters.

"It is time to step out of the shadows, to make strong decisions … to act and not to wait for November or any other month," Zelensky asserted.

'I don't know' what Trump will do if he wins:Ukraine President

Zelensky said he cannot predict what Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, will do if he wins the 2024 US Elections.

"I can't tell you what he will do, if he will be the President of the United States. I don't know,"said the President of war-torn Ukraine.

However, he expressed a hope that Trump would not withdraw from the NATO alliance and that America would continue supporting his nation.

Zelensky expressed the hope despite Trump's frequent criticism of the $60 billion US military aid to Ukraine and his past comments calling Zelensky "the greatest salesman ever".

Zelensky said that"Biden and Trump are very different. But they are supportive (of) democracy. And that's why I think Putin will hate both of them."

He also called for fewer restrictions on the use of US weaponry, while stressing the urgency of support before the election.

Earlier on Tuesday (July 9) at the NATO summit, President Joe Biden pledged that he would forcefully defend Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)