Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that the ongoing war with Russia could come to a close “sooner” under a potential Donald Trump presidency. In a recent interview with Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, Zelensky suggested that the policies of the incoming US administration, led by Trump, would bring the conflict to a resolution more rapidly than under the current administration.
Zelensky’s comments come after a “constructive exchange” with Trump following his victory in the 2024 US presidential election. While details of their phone conversation remain vague, Zelensky did not reveal any specific demands made by Trump related to negotiations with Russia. However, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that he had not heard anything from Trump that contradicted Ukraine’s position on the war.
“It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House,” Zelensky stated, referencing Trump’s promise to end the conflict swiftly. Trump has repeatedly stated that one of his top priorities as president would be to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, which he views as a costly drain on US resources, particularly in the form of military aid.
While Zelensky conveyed optimism about Trump’s approach, he also underscored that Ukraine’s goal is to end the war next year through diplomatic means. “We must do everything so that this war ends next year,” he said. “We must end this through diplomacy.” Despite this call for diplomacy, the battlefield situation remains tough, with Russian forces making incremental advances, as reported by Zelensky.
The US has been a critical ally to Ukraine throughout the war, with significant military aid being sent to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia. In fact, US arms supplies to Ukraine have been monumental, with deliveries amounting to $55.5 billion between February 2022 and June 2024. Earlier this year, the US House of Representatives approved a $61 billion package for Ukraine, underlining the US’s continued commitment to supporting Kyiv in its fight against Moscow.
However, Trump’s stance on Ukraine has been a point of contention. Throughout his campaign, he has criticized the scale of military aid provided to Ukraine, suggesting that the US should not be pouring resources into foreign conflicts. Trump has hinted that he could pursue a different approach, one that may involve more direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His critics, especially within the Democratic Party, argue that Trump’s strategy would involve conceding to Putin’s demands and could risk the security of not just Ukraine, but Europe as a whole. They accuse him of aligning too closely with Putin, whose actions in Ukraine have been widely condemned by the international community.
Despite the criticism, Trump’s supporters believe that his more isolated and pragmatic approach could lead to a faster resolution to the conflict, bypassing the prolonged military standoff that has characterized the war so far. This perspective was echoed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who recently spoke with Trump following his election win. Scholz remarked that Trump’s position on Ukraine was more “nuanced” than many had assumed, offering a “detailed and good conversation.”
The debate over Trump’s potential role in resolving the war reflects broader concerns about the future direction of US foreign policy, particularly in relation to Europe and its security. As the global community watches closely, all eyes will be on Trump’s actions once he assumes office in January 2025. Will his approach offer Ukraine the diplomatic solution it seeks, or will it risk sacrificing its sovereignty to achieve peace? Only time will tell.
Zelensky’s comments also underscore the urgency of Ukraine’s position. With the war entering its third year, the need for a peaceful resolution grows ever more pressing, not only for Ukraine’s survival but also for the stability of Europe and the broader international community. As global leaders prepare for the next phase of the conflict, the possibility of a shift in US policy under Trump’s leadership could dramatically alter the course of the war.
