Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed confidence that the war between Ukraine and Russia will end more quickly with Donald Trump in the White House. In an interview with the Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne, Zelensky shared his thoughts following a phone call with Trump after his recent election win.
Optimism for a Quick Resolution
Zelensky described the conversation as “constructive” and stated that Trump’s policies could speed up the resolution of the conflict. He emphasized that the new US administration has promised its citizens to prioritize ending the war.
“It’s clear that with the policies of the incoming team, this war will end sooner than it would have otherwise,” Zelensky said. He did not disclose whether Trump had suggested specific terms for peace talks with Russia but mentioned that Trump’s views did not go against Ukraine’s stance.
Diplomatic Push
The Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of resolving the war diplomatically and expressed hope that it would end next year. However, he acknowledged the challenges on the battlefield, noting that Russian forces continue to gain ground.
Zelensky also mentioned that US laws prevent him from meeting Trump in person until after the inauguration in January.
A Complex History
Zelensky and Trump have had a rocky relationship in the past. Trump was impeached in 2019 over accusations that he pressured Zelensky to investigate the Biden family. Despite their differences, Trump has maintained that he had a “very good relationship” with Zelensky.
When the two leaders met in New York in September, Trump claimed he had learned a lot from the meeting and expressed confidence in resolving the war quickly. However, he has yet to reveal a clear plan for how he would achieve peace.
Concerns and Criticism
Trump’s approach to the war has raised concerns among his critics. Many of his Democratic opponents accuse him of being too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and warn that his strategy could jeopardize Ukraine’s security and Europe’s stability.
On the other hand, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently offered a different perspective. After speaking with Trump, Scholz described their conversation as detailed and productive. He told German media that Trump’s position on the war seemed more balanced than many assumed.
The US Role in Supporting Ukraine
The United States has been Ukraine’s largest supplier of military aid since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Earlier this year, the US House of Representatives approved a $61 billion package in military assistance for Ukraine. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the US has committed or delivered $55.5 billion worth of weapons and equipment as of mid-2024.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the amount of US resources being spent on aiding Ukraine, arguing that his priority is to end the war and reduce the strain on American taxpayers.
Looking Ahead
As Zelensky works to secure Ukraine’s future, he remains optimistic that Trump’s leadership could bring a quicker end to the conflict. While the details of Trump’s strategy remain unclear, Zelensky emphasized the importance of diplomacy and urged his country to do everything possible to achieve peace.
The path forward is uncertain, but both leaders appear focused on finding a resolution to one of the most significant global conflicts in recent history.
