Trump has met in-person with Zelensky at least three times since returning to office, including a Feb. 28 meeting where he lashed out at the Ukrainian president and accused him of prolonging Russia’s invasion. The two leaders met again on April 26 on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral and in The Hague on June 25.

On July 28, Trump announced that he would be giving Russia 10 to 12 days to end its three-year war on Ukraine or face "stiff tariffs."