Zelenskyy Sees Trump’s Strength, Unpredictability as Key to Ending Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s “strength and unpredictability” could influence the trajectory of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In a televised interview on Thursday, Zelenskyy acknowledged Trump’s potential role in ending the war but tempered expectations about a quick resolution, countering Trump’s campaign assertion that the conflict could be resolved in a single day.

“The ‘hot’ stage of the war can end quickly if Trump is strong in his position,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing the importance of U.S. leadership in deterring Russian aggression. However, he noted that achieving lasting peace would require a concerted international effort.

Zelenskyy highlighted concerns about maintaining U.S. support, given Trump’s previous ambiguous statements on Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader has actively sought to secure continued aid, meeting Trump in New York before the November election and engaging in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron about deploying Western peacekeepers to Ukraine.

The conflict, which will enter its fourth year in February, remains Europe’s largest since World War II. Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, with recent advances in eastern regions reflecting Ukraine’s struggles on the battlefield. Zelenskyy underscored the need for sustained Western backing, particularly from NATO, which he sees as critical to Ukraine’s future security.

Ukraine’s symbolic capture of territory in Russia’s Kursk region last year marked a significant morale boost, though analysts argue it did not change the overall dynamics of the war. Despite setbacks, Zelenskyy said the achievement reshaped global perceptions of Russia’s military might, particularly in regions like Asia, South America, and Africa.

Trump, set to take office on January 20, has yet to outline a detailed Ukraine policy, leaving questions about the U.S.’s future role in the conflict. Zelenskyy expressed optimism that Trump’s “unpredictability” could be directed strategically against Russia, potentially shifting the balance in Europe’s most pressing conflict.