Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that US President-elect Donald Trump’s strength and unpredictability could play a crucial role in ending the war in Ukraine caused by Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy emphasized that while the war cannot be resolved in one day, Trump’s firm position and unpredictability could quickly bring an end to the fighting on the battlefield. Despite Trump’s inauguration approaching, he has not clarified his policy on Ukraine, leaving uncertainty about whether the US will maintain its position as Ukraine’s primary military supporter. Zelenskyy is hopeful that Trump’s unpredictability will be focused on the Russian Federation, and is eager to ensure that Washington’s support for Ukraine continues.
As the conflict in Ukraine reaches almost three years, and with Trump set to take office, questions arise about how and when the war might end, which is currently Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II. Russia currently controls a significant portion of Ukrainian territory and has made gains in eastern regions despite high losses. Ukraine, facing shortages on the front line, relies on support from Western allies. Zelenskyy has met with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the possibility of Western peacekeepers being deployed in Ukraine to oversee a ceasefire agreement. While Trump has responded favorably to this proposal, specific details about which countries would participate remain unclear.
Zelenskyy is determined to see Ukraine become a member of NATO, although current member countries have indicated that Ukraine’s accession will only occur after the war ends. The Ukrainian president sees the incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region by Ukrainian forces as a potentially strong bargaining chip in future peace negotiations. Despite losing significant ground captured during the incursion, Zelenskyy believes that the symbolic significance of the operation has tarnished Russia’s military reputation and gained positive attention from other countries globally. He emphasizes that the deployment of European peacekeepers should not impede Ukraine’s future membership in NATO.
In an interview, Zelenskyy stressed that the war in Ukraine could end rapidly if Trump takes a strong position and shows unpredictability in resolving the conflict. He met with Trump in New York prior to the US presidential election to ensure continued US support. With the war entering its fourth year, Zelenskyy is hopeful that Western peacekeepers could oversee an agreement to halt the fighting in Ukraine. He acknowledges the need for continued support from Western partners due to Ukraine’s weakened defense and the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy aims to keep Ukraine’s NATO membership on the table as he seeks to end the war and bring stability to the region.
Zelenskyy sees Trump’s strength and unpredictability as potential catalysts for bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for nearly three years. While Trump’s position on Ukraine remains unclear, Zelenskyy is encouraged by the possibility of Western peacekeepers helping to enforce a ceasefire agreement. Despite challenges faced by Ukraine in the conflict and its aspirations for NATO membership, Zelenskyy remains committed to securing Western support and ending the war in his country. The incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region is seen as a strategic move in potential peace negotiations, despite losing some of the initially captured territory. Zelenskyy hopes that continued diplomatic efforts, along with support from Western partners, will lead to a resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and pave the way for a more stable future for the country.
