Trump declines Zelensky invite to Kyiv, citing 'conflict of interest' with Biden

Former President Donald Trump on Monday declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's invitation to visit Kyiv, which he made in response to the Republican's claims that he would end the war within 24 hours.

"I invite President Trump, if he can come here, I will need 24 minutes ... to explain to President Trump that he can't manage this war. He can't bring peace," he said Sunday on NBC News.

Trump, for his part, is currently embroiled in a litany of criminal and civil cases, including an ongoing civil fraud trial that threatens his real estate empire. He respectfully declined the invitation on Monday.

"I have great respect for President Zelenskyy, but think it would be inappropriate to go to Ukraine at this time," he wrote, according to Newsmax. "The Biden administration is currently dealing with him, and I would not want to create a conflict of interest."

Trump's declining the trip to Ukraine comes amid reports of faltering morale within Ukrainian forces and western urgings to Kyiv to pursue peace with Russia. Zelensky for his part has adamantly refused to negotiate with Moscow.

He further on Monday hinted that Ukraine may not hold presidential elections in 2024, should the conflict continue into that period.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.