In a surprising turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed optimism that the ongoing war with Russia will come to a swifter conclusion following the reelection of Donald Trump as President of the United States. The recent US presidential election has sparked speculation about potential shifts in international relations and their impact on the conflict that has gripped Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy’s Hope for a Faster Resolution
Speaking in an interview with Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, Zelenskyy stated, “It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House. This is their approach, their promise to their citizens.” The Ukrainian leader’s comments suggest a belief that the incoming Trump administration will take a different tack in addressing the conflict, potentially accelerating the path to peace.
Zelenskyy further noted that he had a “constructive exchange” with Trump during a phone conversation following the US election results. “I didn’t hear anything that goes against our position,” he added, hinting at a possible alignment between the two leaders’ strategies for resolving the war.
Trump’s Stance on the War
For his part, President-elect Trump addressed the conflict during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. “We’re going to work very hard on Russia and Ukraine. It’s got to stop,” he declared, signaling a commitment to ending the hostilities that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions since the invasion began.
However, some observers have raised concerns about the potential implications of a Trump presidency for Ukraine, given his previous statements suggesting a more conciliatory approach toward Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. The extent to which Trump’s rhetoric will translate into policy remains to be seen as he prepares to take office in January 2025.
Germany’s Role in the Conflict
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also weighed in on the situation, revealing that Trump privately held “a more nuanced position than is often assumed” on Ukraine. In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Scholz described a recent phone call with the US president-elect as “perhaps surprisingly, a very detailed and good conversation.”
When asked whether Trump might make a deal with Russia over the heads of the Ukrainians, Scholz asserted that the incoming US leader gave “no indication” of such intentions. The German chancellor emphasized his country’s steadfast support for Ukraine, stating that Germany would not accept a “peace by diktat” imposed by Russia.
Scholz’s Call with Putin
In a significant development, Scholz held a rare phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, urging him to withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine and begin peace talks with Kyiv. The call, which came at Berlin’s request, marked the first direct communication between the two leaders in nearly two years.
According to the Kremlin, Putin told Scholz that any agreement to end the war must take into account Russian security interests and reflect “new territorial realities,” a reference to the regions of Ukraine that Russia has illegally annexed. On the German side, a spokesperson said Scholz “stressed Germany’s unbroken determination to back Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression for as long as necessary.”
Zelenskyy’s Criticism and Concerns
Zelenskyy swiftly criticized the Scholz-Putin call, warning that it opened a “Pandora’s box” by potentially undermining efforts to isolate the Russian leader diplomatically. In his evening address, the Ukrainian president cautioned, “Now there may be other conversations, other calls. Just a lot of words.”
“And this is exactly what Putin has long wanted: it is extremely important for him to weaken his isolation and to conduct ordinary negotiations.”
– Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
Zelenskyy’s comments reflect the delicate balance that Western leaders must strike in their dealings with Russia, as they seek to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while also exploring avenues for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Road Ahead
As the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, the international community watches closely to see how the dynamics will shift under a new US administration and with ongoing diplomatic efforts by European leaders like Scholz. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Zelenskyy’s hopes for a quicker end to the conflict will be realized or if the war will continue to grind on, with devastating consequences for the Ukrainian people.
For now, the focus remains on providing Ukraine with the military, economic, and humanitarian support it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression, while also pursuing every opportunity for dialogue and diplomacy that could lead to a just and lasting peace. The challenges are immense, but so too is the resolve of those who stand with Ukraine in its fight for freedom and self-determination.
