U.S. President Donald Trump promised "unwavering" support to Ukraine in a May 29 letter congratulating its new president on his election victory, as well as invited President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House, saying the invitation was a sign of the United States' "commitment" to the young democracy.
Trump's letter, which a senior congressional aide shared with The Daily Beast, points to a sharp contrast between Trump's official, warm communications with Zelensky and the moves he actually wanted from Kyiv. The letter, dated May 29, is published for the first time.
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"The United States and Ukraine are steadfast partners, working together to realize the shared vision of a stable, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine that is integrated into the Euro-Atlantic community. Our partnership is rooted in the idea that free citizens should be able to exercise their democratic rights, choose their own destiny, and live in peace," Trump's letter says.
"As you said in your victory speech, your election demonstrates that democracy is possible anywhere in the former Soviet region. Ukraine's success exemplifies the triumph of democracy over resurgent despotism. United States support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering," he said.
"As you prepare to address the many challenges facing Ukraine, please know that the American people are with you and are committed to helping Ukraine realize its vast potential. To help show that commitment, I would like to invite you to meet with me at the White House in Washington D.C., as soon as we can find a mutually convenient time," Trump said in a letter.
Earlier, William Taylor, Charge d'Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, who replaced Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, told House impeachment investigators that he had brought a letter from President Trump to Kyiv, in which he congratulated President Zelensky on his election victory and invited him to a meeting in the White House.
