Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the war in Ukraine will end faster under Donald Trump’s administration. This is according to an interview he gave on November 15.
Zelensky said this after Trump won the US presidential election in 2024. Ukraine is currently fighting against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The war has caused uncertainty for Ukraine about future Western military aid.
A just peace is very important for Ukraine, Zelensky said. He wants to make sure that Ukrainians don’t feel they have lost out on justice because of the war.
Zelensky and Trump had a constructive interaction before the US election. Ukraine presented its vision for peace during this meeting. Trump heard Ukraine’s position, but didn’t express any opposition, Zelensky said.
When asked if Trump wanted Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is independent. He made it clear that Ukraine will not sit down and listen to Russia’s demands without a fight.
Trump had previously spoken about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the US election campaign, Trump claimed to have gotten along well with Putin during his first term in office.
After winning the election, Trump allegedly warned Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine. However, the Kremlin later denied that such a call took place.
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has led to poor relations between the US and Russia. Putin is now considered a persona non grata in much of the Western world.