Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky recently expressed optimism about the end of the war with Russia, asserting it would come sooner under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, who was elected for another term earlier this month. During interviews and public statements, Zelensky emphasized his belief the conflict, which has now dragged on since February 2022, could potentially be resolved within the next year through diplomatic efforts.
Zelensky’s comments come amid continuing military challenges for Ukraine, as Russian forces have made significant territorial gains, particularly in the eastern Donbas region. Despite facing mounting losses, which Zelensky described as staggering—up to 2,000 Russian troops killed daily—current conditions on the ground remain dire. He noted, “These are terrible losses. They cannot keep advancing with such losses.”
Previously, Trump had claimed he could resolve the war within 24 hours, insisting his approach would have prevented the invasion had he been president at the time. During his campaign, he criticized sustained military aid to Ukraine, framing it as a drain on U.S. resources. His rhetoric has raised questions about the future of U.S. commitment to Ukraine, with both Trump and his vice president-elect, JD Vance, expressing skepticism about continuing support.
Zelensky mentioned to media outlets the importance of moving rapidly toward peace, stating, “We must do everything to make sure the war ends next year.” The Ukrainian president noted his communications with Trump post-election were positive, acknowledging Trump as supportive of Ukraine and favorable to its resilience amid the conflict.
Critically, Trump’s foreign policy proposals during his 2024 campaign have included suggestions for potential compromises with Russia, including allowing Moscow to retain some control over territories it occupied during the conflict. These proposals have sparked concerns among Ukrainians and officials encouraging full restoration of territorial integrity for Ukraine.
While Trump pushes for negotiations, Zelensky’s administration rejects any notion of ceding Ukrainian territory, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and unconditional restoration of Ukraine’s borders prior to any peace agreements. The sticking points from previous attempts at dialogue remain unresolved, making the prospect of meaningful negotiations fraught with complications.
Adding to the tension, military analysts warn of challenges Ukrainian forces will face as the conflict drags on, particularly with fresh support arriving for Russian military units, including contingents from other sources, which threaten to escalate hostilities on the ground. The overall military situation for Ukraine highlights the urgency for diplomatic solutions before the conflict escalates beyond recovery.
On the broader geopolitical spectrum, responses from European leaders also indicate their concerns about the shifts and uncertainties brought on by Trump’s return to office. European leaders may need to recalibrate their strategies for supporting Ukraine amid potentially reduced U.S. involvement, which has been described as pivotal to Ukraine’s resistance efforts against Russian aggression.
While Trump’s electoral victory invites discussions of new paths toward ending the prolonged conflict, Zelensky seems hopeful yet cautious. The Ukrainian leadership continues to assess how Trump's policies may substantively impact their pursuit of peace, putting pressure on Ukrainian officials to adapt rapidly to potential shifts.
Discussions for peace and negotiations are anticipated to intensify, with Ukrainian officials likely prioritizing the need for solid military and diplomatic backing from both regional allies and the United States during this transitional phase for U.S. leadership and policy. The next year is poised to be pivotal for shaping the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war, one way or another.
