Zelenskyy Sees Trump’s Strength as Key to Ending Ukraine War/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s strength and unpredictability could play a decisive role in ending the war in Ukraine. While emphasizing the importance of continued U.S. support, Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and the need for Western involvement in peacekeeping efforts.
Trump’s Role in Ukraine: Quick Looks
- Zelenskyy’s View: Trump’s strength and unpredictability could help end the war in Ukraine.
- War Update: Russia controls 20% of Ukraine; conflict enters its fourth year in February.
- Western Support: Zelenskyy stresses the need for U.S. aid and NATO backing.
- Peacekeeping Efforts: Trump responded favorably to potential deployment of Western peacekeepers.
- NATO Membership: Ukraine’s accession remains on hold until the conflict ends.
- Territorial Gains: Ukraine’s brief seizure of Russia’s Kursk region was a symbolic victory.
Zelenskyy Sees Trump’s Strength as Key to Ending Ukraine War
Deep Look
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s potential to influence the war in Ukraine. Speaking in a televised interview Thursday, Zelenskyy described Trump as “strong and unpredictable,” qualities he believes could decisively shape U.S. policy toward Russia’s invasion.
“The ‘hot’ stage of the war can end quickly if Trump is strong in his position,” Zelenskyy stated. However, he dismissed Trump’s campaign claim that the war could be ended in a single day, acknowledging the complexity of achieving lasting peace.
The State of the War
As the war approaches its fourth year, Ukraine faces an uphill battle. Russia has fortified control over roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including regions in the east. Despite suffering significant losses in personnel and equipment, Russia has managed incremental advances, exploiting vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s defenses.
Zelenskyy underscored the critical need for continued Western support, particularly from the United States, which remains Ukraine’s most substantial military ally.
“We are shorthanded on the front lines, and Western assistance is essential to maintain our resistance,” he said.
Trump’s Stance
While Trump has yet to articulate a detailed Ukraine policy, Zelenskyy remains hopeful about maintaining U.S. backing under his administration. The Ukrainian president met with Trump in New York ahead of the U.S. presidential election and discussed potential peacekeeping efforts during a December meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelenskyy said Trump responded positively to Macron’s suggestion of deploying Western peacekeepers to oversee a ceasefire agreement. However, he noted uncertainty about which countries would participate and whether the U.S. would commit troops to the initiative.
NATO Membership
Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO continues to loom large in peace discussions. The alliance’s 32 member states have pledged that Ukraine will eventually join but only after the conflict ends. Zelenskyy emphasized that peacekeeping efforts should not hinder Ukraine’s path to NATO membership, which remains a cornerstone of the country’s security strategy.
Kursk Incursion: A Symbolic Victory
Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s brief seizure of Russia’s Kursk border region last August as a morale booster for the nation and a valuable bargaining chip in future negotiations. The operation marked the first occupation of Russian territory by Ukrainian forces since World War II, although military analysts note that Ukraine has since lost 40% of the reclaimed land.
Despite its limited tactical impact, the Kursk incursion sent a powerful message to the international community, particularly in Asia, South America, and Africa, by tarnishing Russia’s military reputation and showcasing Ukraine’s resolve.
Looking Ahead
As the conflict persists, Zelenskyy remains focused on securing Western support and exploring avenues for peace. He views Trump’s leadership as a potential turning point but stresses that achieving a resolution will require sustained international cooperation and commitment.
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