Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that President-elect Donald Trump could be “decisive” in ending the war in Ukraine, which is approaching its third anniversary. Zelenskyy believes Trump’s qualities make him capable of stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin or helping Ukraine stop Putin.
Zelenskyy also stated that Trump assured him that Kyiv would be among his first presidential visits following his inauguration. Stopping Russian advances early in the new year is a top priority for Zelenskyy, who has said he welcomes peace talks but only if Ukraine is granted certain security guarantees, such as the possibility of joining NATO.
Zelenskyy emphasized that any security guarantees without the United States are weak security guarantees for Ukraine, and that Washington must take into account Kyiv’s future security. Putin, on the other hand, has said he will not accept any cease-fire negotiations that do not include guarantees that bar Kyiv from joining NATO.
Zelenskyy also reiterated that the nation cannot hold elections while in a state of war under the nation’s existing constitution, but said he may consider re-running for the presidency once the conflict has ended.
