- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expresses belief that Trump could end the war sooner.
- Trump vows to prioritize swift resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Experts caution that any peace deal must ensure Russia faces consequences to deter future aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shared his belief that the ongoing war with Russia could end more quickly under the leadership of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
In a recent interview, Zelenskyy acknowledged that his past discussions with Trump had revealed a common understanding on Ukraine’s position in the conflict.
Zelenskyy Sees Trump as Key to Ending War, but Peace Must Hold Russia Accountable
Trump, who has vowed to bring the war to a swift conclusion, has framed the conflict as a major drain on U.S. resources. In his first major speech after his victory, Trump lamented the loss of life in Ukraine and committed to working toward peace.
However, some experts, including former National Security Council senior director Lisa Curtis, caution that any resolution must hold Russia accountable for its actions to prevent future invasions and maintain international order.
In an interview with Ukrainian media, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed cautious optimism that the war with Russia could be resolved more swiftly under Donald Trump’s leadership. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s position has been clear in its negotiations with both Trump and President Joe Biden, maintaining its stance on independence and sovereignty. He stressed that any peace agreement must be fair to avoid the loss of lives and to ensure that Ukraine’s sacrifices are respected.
Donald Trump, who recently won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has repeatedly promised to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. During a speech at the America First Policy Institute gala, he described the war as a tragedy and vowed to end it quickly. Trump has consistently criticized the cost of U.S. military aid to Ukraine and argued that American resources should not be spent indefinitely on the conflict. His pledge to bring peace to the region aligns with his broader foreign policy goals of curbing unnecessary U.S. involvement overseas.
However, Trump’s approach to resolving the war has raised concerns among some foreign policy experts. Lisa Curtis, who served on Trump’s National Security Council, noted that any peace deal must ensure that Russia faces consequences for its actions. She argued that the deal should prevent Russia from repeating its aggressive actions and deter other countries from attempting to annex neighboring territories illegally.
While Zelenskyy remains optimistic about renewed U.S. involvement under Trump’s leadership, he continues to emphasize the importance of a just and balanced peace. His remarks suggest that Ukraine hopes for a resolution that not only ends the conflict but also strengthens its security and sovereignty in the long term.
“I would just simply say that it needs to be done in a way that Russia faces some consequences for its actions.” — Lisa Curtis
