As Donald Trump assumes the presidency, a mixture of cautious optimism and deep skepticism hangs over Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Trump as a “decisive” leader who can bring about a “just peace” nearly three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion. Yet Trump’s inaugural address, touting his role as a “peacekeeper,” offered no specifics on how he would persuade Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the devastating war.
On the streets of Kyiv, Ukrainians anxiously await signs of what the famously unpredictable Trump will do. At the Lukianivska metro station, where a Russian missile strike killed three people days ago, some dismissed a peace deal as unrealistic. “Trump is blah blah blah,” said Valeriia, 23. “He promised to end the conflict in 24 hours. That won’t happen.” Others held out hope that Trump’s unorthodox style could break the deadlock. “We need to stop the war,” said Mykola, a retired physicist. “Trump talks to Putin at least, which Biden didn’t.”
Strained US-Ukraine Ties Set Stage for Reset
Zelenskyy’s warm welcome of Trump comes after fraying relations with the Biden administration. Ukrainian officials accused Biden of doing too little, too late in providing military aid to counter Russia. The US, in turn, viewed Zelenskyy’s demands as disconnected from battlefield realities. The leadership change in Washington offers a chance to mend fences, but it remains unclear if Trump will reciprocate Kyiv’s diplomatic overtures.
Trump snubbed Zelenskyy by not inviting him to the inauguration, noted graduate student Anna Fedorivna. “Maybe Trump can find a way forward. He talks to Putin at least. I hope something positive can emerge.” Journalist Kristina Berdynskykh said Ukraine’s challenge will be holding the easily distracted Trump’s attention. “There was nothing in his speech about Ukraine,” she observed. “I don’t think Trump thinks about Ukraine a lot.”
Potential Shift in US Approach
Observers suggest Trump wants to see Ukraine become Europe’s problem as he focuses US interests closer to home. “Trump’s main interests are in the American continent and Asia-Pacific,” said analyst Anton Herashchenko. Rather than arming Ukraine to fight, Trump may push for a Korea-style frozen conflict to end US involvement. Some expect him to cut military aid entirely.
I don’t think Trump will give Putin Ukraine as a present. That would make America look weak.
– Kristina Berdynskykh, Ukrainian journalist
No Signs of Russian Compromise
Despite Trump’s self-proclaimed dealmaking prowess, there is little indication that Putin is ready to talk. Moscow has shown no willingness to back down from demands to annex four Ukrainian regions and install a pro-Russian government. On the ground, Russian forces are advancing at the fastest pace since the invasion’s early months. “I don’t think Putin will stop until he has destroyed Ukraine,” said Kyiv pensioner Petro Hryhorovych. “He’s a fool.”
- Key Points
- Zelenskyy hopes Trump’s unorthodox diplomacy can bring “just peace”
- Trump pledges to avoid foreign wars but offers few details on Ukraine
- Ukraine wants US support; unsure if Trump will continue aid
- No signs Russia will compromise; advances continue
- Kyiv residents split between hopes for peace and skepticism
As the human and economic costs mount, war-weary Ukrainians cling to fragile hopes that the Trump era can somehow change the calculus. “Even so, there is a little bit of hope,” said Hryhorovych. “I want the war to finish. So many peaceful people have died.” Only time will tell if Trump’s transactional, “America First” foreign policy will bring Ukraine closer to peace or alter the conflict’s trajectory at all.
