Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced hope that the ongoing war with Russia could conclude sooner under the leadership of US President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking in a radio interview on Friday, Zelensky emphasized the importance of pursuing a diplomatic resolution to end the conflict.
“We have to do everything we can to ensure that this war ends next year,” Zelensky stated. “Through diplomatic routes, we must bring it to a close, and this, I think, is very important.”
Zelensky revealed on Saturday that he had a “constructive exchange” with Trump following his recent election victory, expressing confidence that the former US president’s return to the White House in January 2025 could expedite peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s stance on peace negotiations, demanding recognition of Russia’s territorial claims and Kyiv’s renunciation of its NATO ambitions. The Kremlin maintains that its military actions in Donbas were aimed at curbing NATO’s influence near its borders.
Trump, who has consistently criticized extensive US military aid to Ukraine, pledged during his campaign to end the war “in a day.” However, he has yet to detail how he plans to achieve this swift resolution.
Zelensky’s remarks reflect Ukraine’s urgent desire to seek a resolution through dialogue, with hopes pinned on Trump’s promised diplomatic approach amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
