KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that US President-elect Donald Trump could play a decisive role in ending the 34-month-old war with Russia. In an interview with Ukrainian television on January 2, Zelensky revealed that Trump had promised to invite him to Washington soon after the presidential inauguration.
Facing Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized the importance of stabilizing the front line early in the new year. He stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin feared negotiations, as they would signify a defeat for Russia.
“Trump can be decisive. For us, this is the most important thing,” Zelensky said. He praised Trump’s qualities, asserting that he could help stop Putin and bring an end to the conflict.
Zelensky reiterated that achieving a just peace for Ukraine required solid security guarantees from allies, joining the European Union, and receiving an invitation to join NATO, a notion rejected by Moscow. He stressed that any security guarantees without the United States would be weak.
The Ukrainian President also emphasized the need for any US plan on a settlement to consider Ukraine’s views, highlighting the country’s independence and future. He expressed hope that Trump’s administration could establish quick contact with Russia, despite Putin’s insistence that any talks must account for Russia’s territorial gains and annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
With Russian forces making significant advances on the eastern front, Zelensky underscored the urgency of stabilizing the front line. He acknowledged the exhaustion of Ukrainian troops and vowed to do everything possible to stabilize the situation in January.
Zelensky, who was elected in 2019, reiterated that new elections could not be held while a wartime state of emergency remained in place. However, he indicated that he might consider running for another term once conditions permitted, depending on his ability to contribute further to the country’s efforts.