Zelenskyy claims Trump can end Russia's invasion with his unpredictability
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes Trump's attributes of strength and unpredictability could influence the course of the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Zelensky expressed skepticism about the feasibility of ending the war quickly despite Trump's campaign promises.
- Zelensky remains committed to ensuring Ukraine's independence and argues for iron-clad security guarantees in any peace deal.
In an interview conducted on a Thursday in January 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Zelensky expressed that Trump, who was recently elected as the U.S. President, is perceived as 'strong and unpredictable.' He believes that these traits could significantly influence Trump's approach towards the conflict and possibly facilitate a swift end to the 'hot' stage of the war. President Zelensky emphasized that Trump's unpredictability should be directed toward preventing further aggression from Russia, particularly in seeking to halt Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions. Zelensky stated that he has hopes for Trump's administration, believing that Trump genuinely desires to end the war. However, he also pointed out that an immediate resolution is unrealistic, despite Trump's prior claims during his campaign promising a quick resolution to the conflict. The reality on the ground suggests that Ukraine is still facing formidable challenges, as Russia has maintained control over a significant portion of Ukrainian territory. There are concerns regarding the potential shift in U.S. policy under Trump, particularly regarding military support for Ukraine. Observing the precarious situation, Zelensky underscored the need for strong assurances of security guarantees in any peace deal to assure Ukraine's independence and future security against any potential aggressions from Russia. He reiterated Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership, emphasizing that any deployment of foreign troops should not compromise Ukraine’s future within the NATO alliance. Additionally, Zelensky noted that while meeting with leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, there was discussion regarding the role of Western peacekeepers in a potential agreement to halt the conflict. However, he raised questions about which specific nations would participate in such initiatives and whether the United States would be included in these plans. Despite tactical victories, the overall military situation in Ukraine remains challenging, highlighting the necessity for sustained support from international allies as the war approaches its fourth year.