Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism that the war with Russia will “end sooner” under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s leadership. In an interview with Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, Zelensky detailed his constructive phone conversation with Trump following his electoral victory, though he did not disclose any specific demands Trump might have made regarding peace talks with Russia.
Trump’s Promise to End the War
Zelensky highlighted Trump’s consistent emphasis on ending the war and reducing U.S. military aid to Ukraine, which Trump has described as a strain on American resources. “It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House. This is their approach, their promise to their citizens,” Zelensky said. He stressed Ukraine’s focus on achieving a diplomatic resolution and hoped to see the war conclude within the next year.
US Support for Ukraine Amid the Conflict
The U.S. remains Ukraine’s largest arms supplier. Since February 2022, the U.S. has committed $55.5 billion in weapons and equipment, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Earlier this year, Congress approved an additional $61 billion aid package to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.
Challenges on the Battlefield
Zelensky acknowledged that the situation on the battlefield remains dire, with Russian forces making advances. However, he remained hopeful that diplomatic efforts under the new U.S. administration could bring a swifter end to the conflict.
A Complex Relationship Between Trump and Zelensky
Zelensky and Trump have had a tumultuous relationship. Trump was impeached in 2019 over accusations that he pressured Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden’s family, yet Trump has repeatedly insisted that he has a “very good relationship” with the Ukrainian leader. During their meeting in New York this past September, Trump praised Zelensky and vowed to resolve the war “very quickly,” though he has yet to outline specific plans.
Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Approach
While Trump has pledged to end the war “in a day,” critics, including his Democratic opponents, accuse him of being overly accommodating to Russian President Vladimir Putin. They argue that his approach could compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty and pose risks to European security.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who recently spoke with Trump, offered a different perspective, describing the U.S. president-elect’s position on the war as “more nuanced” than commonly perceived. Scholz told the Süddeutsche Zeitungthat his discussion with Trump was “perhaps surprisingly, a very detailed and good conversation.”
Tensions Over Diplomatic Engagements
Scholz faced criticism from Zelensky following his recent phone call with Putin—the first in nearly two years. While Scholz’s office stated that he reiterated the need to end the war, Zelensky expressed concerns that such communication undermines efforts to isolate the Russian leader.
As Trump prepares to take office, all eyes will be on how his administration navigates the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the war in Ukraine and whether his promised swift resolution can materialize.
