KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, is being viewed as a leader with a formidable and unpredictable demeanor, qualities that could significantly influence his strategy in addressing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s claim during his election campaign that he could swiftly end the three-year-long conflict in Ukraine in just one day.
Zelenskyy asserted, “The ‘hot’ phase of the war may see a rapid conclusion if Trump maintains a firm stance,” alluding to the ongoing battlefield confrontations. Emphasizing his perception of Trump’s strength and unpredictability, Zelenskyy voiced his hope that Trump’s unpredictability would primarily target the Russian Federation.
With Trump’s inauguration approaching on January 20, uncertainties persist regarding his stance on Ukraine, despite previous indications posing doubts on whether the United States will uphold its role as Ukraine’s principal military supporter. Zelenskyy is actively seeking assurance that Washington’s backing will remain steadfast and met with Trump in New York even before the U.S. presidential election last November.
As the conflict in Ukraine nears its fourth year, coupled with Trump’s impending presidency, the discourse on the resolution of Europe’s most significant conflict since World War II has gained prominence. Russia currently controls a significant portion of Ukrainian territory, leveraging vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s defenses to advance in eastern regions despite substantial losses in personnel and equipment, tilting the conflict’s trajectory against Ukraine. To bolster the country’s precarious frontline, continued support from Western allies is deemed imperative.
Zelenskyy welcomed the proposal put forth by French President Emmanuel Macron for the deployment of Western peacekeepers in Ukraine to oversee a ceasefire agreement, a notion that received favorable responses from Trump. In a meeting with both leaders in Paris last month, Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of clarifying the participation of specific nations in this initiative, especially questioning the potential involvement of the United States.
Expressing unwavering determination for Ukraine’s accession to NATO membership, Zelenskyy underscored that while the deployment of European troops for peacekeeping in Ukraine is crucial, it should not impede Ukraine’s future within the NATO alliance. Despite Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region last August representing a notable development, marking the first seizure of Russian territory since World War II, the impact on the conflict’s dynamics remained limited, with Ukraine reportedly losing approximately 40% of the initially captured land.
Zelenskyy highlighted the symbolic significance of Ukraine’s actions in Kursk as a potent bargaining chip for future peace negotiations. Reflecting on the global response to the incursion, particularly from regions in Asia, South America, and Africa, Zelenskyy noted that the move not only garnered admiration but also tarnished Russia’s military reputation.
As the conflict persists and geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, Zel
