Title: Ukraine‘s Zelensky Hopes for Trump‘s Historic Visit Once War is Over
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that former U.S. President Donald Trump could be the first leader to visit Ukraine by airplane, once hostilities with Russia have ceased. This move would be symbolic and monumental in the country’s post-war recovery.
In an interview with American podcaster Lex Friedman, Zelensky emphasized the importance of ensuring peace and establishing reliable air defense systems before opening Ukrainian airspace. He likened the situation to the airport in Rzeszów, Poland, currently accepting cargo flights for Ukraine with support from the U.S., including Patriot missile systems.
"Today, it’s not fair to relocate air defense systems from cities under attack to the airport. Our people are more important than planes," Zelensky noted. However, once the war concludes, he believes Trump’s visit could symbolize the restoration of normalcy and international relations.
The president’s statement echoes earlier sentiments from Ukrainian officials. Last October, the International Airport "Boryspil" indicated readiness to resume flight operations a month after the war ends. In November, presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak hinted that one civilian airport could reopen before the conflict’s conclusion.
However, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) predicts that flight restrictions over Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Moldova will remain in place until at least 2029.
As talks of humanitarian aid, international support, and post-war recovery continue, Zelensky’s hopes highlight the potential return to normalcy that a visit from a former U.S. president could signify. With Trump’s historic visit, Ukraine’s skies could once again open up to the world.
