Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope to end the war with Russia next year through diplomatic channels, coinciding with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, Zelensky said he believes Trump's policies and his administration's approach will accelerate the conflict's resolution. "It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House. This is their approach, their promise to their citizens," Zelensky stated.
The potential implications of Trump's presidency on the ongoing war have raised questions, as the president-elect has been outspoken in his criticism of U.S. military aid to Kyiv. Despite this, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine's goal is to achieve a diplomatic solution to the conflict. "We must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means," he said.
The conflict, which began with Russia's large-scale invasion in February 2022, is set to enter its third year. Russian forces have made gains in recent months, intensifying the urgency for a resolution. While Trump has repeatedly pledged to broker a swift end to the war, he has not outlined a specific plan. Zelensky acknowledged the complexity of negotiations, remarking, "We have to understand what the Russians want." Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear that any talks would require Ukraine to cede occupied territories, a condition Zelensky has firmly rejected.
Trump's previous comments, including claims that the war would not have started under his leadership and that he could settle it within a day, have fueled speculation about his approach. During his campaign, he and running mate J.D. Vance cast doubt on continued U.S. support for Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv about future military aid.
On the ground, Ukraine continues to face a difficult battlefront. Zelensky described the situation in eastern Ukraine as "indeed difficult," noting that Russian forces have been steadily advancing. "There is a slow but steady pressure and advance of the Russians," he said, attributing their progress to manpower and weaponry advantages. Moscow recently claimed the capture of two settlements in the Donetsk region, though Kyiv has not confirmed this.
Zelensky highlighted the heavy toll Russia's advances have exacted, asserting that Moscow is losing up to 2,000 soldiers per day. "These are terrible losses. They cannot keep advancing with such losses," he said.
Germany's role in the conflict has also come under scrutiny. A recent phone call between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Putin drew criticism from Zelensky, who warned that such dialogue risked undermining international efforts to isolate Russia. "Opening a 'Pandora's box' that only works to weaken the pressure on Putin," Zelensky said of Scholz's move. The call marked the first direct communication between Scholz and Putin in two years, reflecting the ongoing complexity of diplomatic engagements.
