Zelenskyy: Trump’s Strength and Unpredictability Could Help End the Ukraine War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s potential role in ending the war in Ukraine.

Speaking during a televised interview on Thursday, Zelenskyy described Trump as “strong and unpredictable” and suggested those qualities could make a significant impact on resolving Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is about to enter its fourth year.

Zelenskyy, however, downplayed Trump’s earlier campaign claims that he could end the war in a single day, noting the complexity of the ongoing conflict. “The ‘hot’ stage of the war can end quite quickly if Trump is strong in his position,” Zelenskyy said, referring to the fighting on the battlefield.

“I believe Trump is strong and unpredictable. I would very much like his unpredictability to be directed primarily toward the Russian Federation.” Zelenskyy’s comments come as Trump prepares to take office on January 20, leaving questions about whether the United States will continue to be Ukraine’s most significant military supporter.

Trump has not yet outlined a detailed policy on Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv about the future of U.S. assistance. Zelenskyy met with Trump in New York before the U.S. presidential election to ensure continued support from Washington.

Ukraine remains heavily reliant on Western aid, both financially and militarily, as it faces significant challenges on the battlefield. Russia currently controls around 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including key eastern regions, and has exploited weaknesses in Ukrainian defenses despite high casualties.

Ukraine has also suffered setbacks, including losing 40% of previously reclaimed territory. Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine’s military is shorthanded and stressed the importance of ongoing Western support.

One recent proposal to address the conflict involves deploying Western peacekeepers to oversee a ceasefire in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron raised the idea, and Zelenskyy said Trump responded positively when the two met in Paris last month.

“But I raised the issue, saying we didn’t hear what specific countries will join this initiative and whether the U.S. will be there,” Zelenskyy said. Ukraine’s long-term goal is NATO membership, which Zelenskyy views as crucial for national security.

However, the alliance’s 32 member nations have stated Ukraine’s membership cannot proceed until the war ends. Zelenskyy emphasized that any deployment of European peacekeepers should not compromise Ukraine’s future in NATO, stating, “The deployment of European troops to keep the peace in Ukraine should not rule out Ukraine’s future in NATO.”

Reflecting on recent developments, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region last August as a strategic advantage in peace negotiations. The operation marked the first Ukrainian occupation of Russian territory since World War II.

While symbolically significant, it did not substantially shift the dynamics of the war. Military analysts estimate Ukraine has lost significant ground since the operation, but Zelenskyy believes the move impressed international observers and tarnished Russia’s military reputation.

“This achievement impressed countries in Asia, South America, and Africa,” he said, adding that it demonstrated Ukraine’s resilience despite the odds. As Trump’s inauguration approaches, the international community is watching closely to see how his administration will approach the conflict.

While Zelenskyy remains hopeful that Trump’s leadership will benefit Ukraine, he acknowledged the war’s complexity and the need for sustained collaboration to achieve peace. “The end of the war won’t come overnight,” Zelenskyy said, “but with the right strategy, the path to peace can become much clearer.”