Zelensky Expresses Optimism About Ending War Under Trump Administration
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia might end sooner under President-elect Donald Trump’s leadership. In a recent interview with Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, Zelensky indicated that policy changes from the incoming U.S. administration could accelerate peace efforts.
“There is no exact date, but with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House, the war will end sooner,” Zelensky stated. He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy, saying, “No one wants peace as much as we do.” While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Zelensky stressed the importance of achieving a “just peace.”
Zelensky’s comments align with statements made by Trump during his campaign. Trump has frequently spoken about his intention to end the conflict swiftly. In an interview on X, Trump said, “I want to get Russia to settle up with Ukraine and stop this — millions of people being killed, far greater than the number you read about. But I want to get that done before I even take office.”
Zelensky admitted that the path to peace is uncertain, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be willing to negotiate under certain conditions. “For him, this is the destruction of political isolation,” Zelensky said. However, he expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions, stating, “It does not mean that he does not want to sit down at the negotiating table with one of the leaders. And do not negotiate — I would say so.”
Trump has criticized current U.S. foreign policy, blaming it for emboldening Russia. He linked the invasion of Ukraine to perceptions of weakness in the Biden administration, pointing specifically to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s goal of ending the war next year, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong position during any negotiations. His optimism reflects the potential for a shift in the international approach to the conflict under Trump’s leadership.
