Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the potential influence of President-elect Trump in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe during a recent interview. Zelensky expressed optimism regarding Trump’s ability to play a significant role in countering Russian President Vladimir Putin and potentially aiding in bringing an end to the longstanding war in the region.
“Trump can be decisive. For us, this is the most important thing,” Zelensky stated in an interview with Ukrainian TV that aired on Thursday, as reported by Reuters. He further acknowledged Trump’s perceived qualities, highlighting the belief that the incoming U.S. president could play a pivotal role in addressing the conflict. “His qualities are indeed there… He can be decisive in this war. He is capable of stopping Putin or, to put it more fairly, help us stop Putin. He is able to do this,” Zelensky remarked.
The Ukrainian leader has consistently advocated for increased security assurances from allies, including aspirations for Ukraine to join NATO and the European Union. Ukraine was officially granted candidacy for EU membership in June 2022, several months following Russia’s invasion of the country.
Highlighting the importance of U.S. involvement in providing robust security guarantees, Zelensky underscored, “Naturally, any security guarantees without the United States are weak security guarantees for Ukraine.”
While Trump had previously expressed confidence in his ability to swiftly resolve the conflict, he has not put forth a formal proposal for achieving peace. However, he has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating, “I want to reach an agreement, and the only way you’re going to reach an agreement is not to abandon.”
Trump has appointed retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as a special envoy for Russia-Ukraine, with Kellogg outlining a strategy aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiating table. His approach involves pressuring Russia through threats of arming Ukraine further and delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership while offering security assurances to the nation. Kellogg also proposed conditioning aid to Ukraine on its willingness to engage in peace talks.
Regarding the potential for France’s peacekeeping troops to be deployed in Ukraine as part of a hypothetical peace agreement with Russia, Zelensky expressed support for the initiative, with the caveat that it should pave the way for Ukraine’s eventual integration into the NATO military alliance. “We support this initiative, but France alone is not enough… It should definitely be on the way to NATO,” Zelensky emphasized.
As Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky outlined his military objectives, aiming to stabilize the front amid challenges posed by exhausted Ukrainian soldiers. “They are putting pressure on our boys, who are exhausted and that is a fact… We will do everything to at least stabilize the front in January,” Zelensky asserted.
The situation in Eastern Europe remains fluid, with various stakeholders, including the U.S., Ukraine, and European allies, navigating complex diplomatic and military dynamics to address the.
