Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed confidence that the “strong” US President-elect Donald Trump can force Russia into peace talks and end the war in Ukraine. In an interview with US podcaster Lex Fridman published on Sunday, Zelensky said that the Republican would be instrumental in ensuring Ukraine’s security and paving the way for a negotiated solution that would also be supported by European states.
“Trump and I will come to an agreement and (…) together with Europe offer strong security guarantees, and then we can talk to the Russians,” Zelensky said, according to the published translation of the conversation. “We and Trump come first, and Europe will support Ukraine’s position.”
Trump takes office on January 20th. During the election campaign, he announced that he would restore peace in Ukraine “within 24 hours” after taking office. This was met with skepticism in Ukraine: Kiev fears that it could be forced into an agreement that is unfavorable to the country.
Zelensky: Donald Trump can end war in Ukraine
Nevertheless, Zelenskyj was now full of praise for Trump. “I really count on him, and I believe that our people really count on him, so that he has enough power to (…) put pressure on Putin,” said the Ukrainian leader.
European leaders are all waiting to see what Trump wants, Zelensky continued. After his conversations with Trump, everyone always asked him how it went. “This shows the influence of Donald Trump, and this has never happened before with an American president,” said the Ukrainian head of state. “That also gives confidence that he can end this war.”
Zelensky also said that Trump won the US presidential election against his rival Kamala Harris because he was “much stronger” than the Democrat. Trump showed “intellectual and physical” strength, said Zelensky. It was important to show “that you have to be strong if you want to have a strong country. And he was strong.”
