During a recent televised interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the future.
Zelensky stated that he believes President-elect Donald Trump could play a “decisive” role in ending the ongoing war as Kyiv approaches the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
“Trump can be decisive. For us, this is the most important thing,” Zelenskyy stated, according to a Reuters report, emphasizing Trump’s potential impact on the conflict.
Zelenskyy further explained, “He can be decisive in this war.
He is capable of stopping [Russian President Vladimir] Putin or, to put it more fairly, help us stop Putin.”
Zelenskyy’s confidence in Trump’s leadership reflects a strategic hope for a shift in dynamics amidst the escalating conflict.
Additionally, Zelenskyy mentioned that Trump promised Kyiv would be one of his initial presidential visits following his inauguration.
Stabilizing the front lines remains a critical objective for Ukraine.
Stopping Russian advances early in the new year is crucial for Zelenskyy.
He emphasized that Putin fears negotiations, viewing them as potential defeat.
Despite nearly three years of conflict, Russia has failed to meet its initial goals.
The nation continues to struggle in achieving even amended plans announced last year.
Putin’s primary aim shifted to controlling the Donbas region, but the Kremlin has yet to make significant progress.
Additionally, Zelensky acknowledged that he welcomes peace talks but only with specific conditions, particularly security guarantees, such as NATO membership potential.
“Naturally, any security guarantees without the United States are weak security guarantees for Ukraine,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of U.S. involvement.
He clarified, “It cannot be otherwise. We are Ukraine, and it’s our independence, our land, and our future” that are at stake in these negotiations.
In contrast, Putin has rejected any cease-fire discussions that do not ensure Kyiv’s exclusion from NATO.
The alliance’s Article 5 stipulates that an attack on one member will trigger a collective defense response.
This stance underscores the complexity of negotiations and the geopolitical stakes involved, revealing the deep divisions between the two leaders’ visions for Ukraine’s future.
Zelenskyy was also asked about the prospect of seeking re-election in the future.
He reiterated that Ukraine cannot hold elections while in a state of war under the current constitution.
However, he suggested he may consider it once the conflict has concluded.
“I don’t know how this war will end,” he admitted, revealing his uncertainty about the ongoing conflict’s resolution.
He expressed a willingness to reassess his role after the turmoil subsides, highlighting the unpredictable nature of war.