Ukraine’s Zelensky Congratulates New U.S. House Speaker, Awaits Trump’s Support to End War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has congratulated Mike Johnson on his election as the new Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, expressing hope that forthcoming congressional decisions will pave the way for a "genuine and lasting peace" in his war-torn country.
"We welcome the opening of the first session of the 119th U.S. Congress and Mike Johnson’s election as House Speaker," Zelensky remarked on social media. He lauded the bipartisan cooperation in the U.S. Congress that has been instrumental in saving countless lives and preventing Russian occupation of multiple Ukrainian cities.
The Ukrainian leader stressed the potency of U.S. leadership in deterring Russian aggression, asserting, "The courage of the Ukrainian people, combined with the leadership of the United States, can effectively thwart Russian aggression." He implored the House and Senate to maintain their unity and resolve in defending democratic values.
"On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I’d like to express our deep gratitude to the U.S. Congress and its constituents for the ongoing support. We wish President Johnson every success in his crucial endeavor. May God be with him in his service," Zelensky added.
Mike Johnson was elected as House Speaker on Friday, officially kicking off a new legislative session. This coming Monday, the Congress will ratify the results of the November elections, which saw Donald Trump clinch victory, securing his return to the White House after four years.
President-elect Donald Trump rejoiced at Johnson’s appointment, stating, "Congratulations to Leader Mike Johnson on receiving a record-breaking vote of confidence in Congress. Mike will be an exceptional Speaker, and our country will greatly benefit. The American people have waited four years for common sense, strength, and leadership, and now they will have it. The United States will be stronger than ever!"
In an interview broadcast nationally on Thursday, Zelensky asserted that the incoming U.S. president, Donald Trump, could play a pivotal role in ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022 under Russian President Vladimir Putin’s command.
"Trump could be decisive in this war; he can genuinely help us halt Putin," Zelensky claimed, adding that he has maintained several conversations with Trump, both in person and via telephone, about the conflict in Ukraine.
Zelensky also praised Trump’s unpredictability as a potential asset in dealing with Russia. "He is strong and unpredictable. I would very much like that unpredictability to be directed primarily at the Russian Federation. I believe he truly wants to put an end to the war," Zelensky noted.
On the matter of his dialogues with the incoming U.S. president, Zelensky underscored the lack of negative moments, emphasizing the importance of building relations and maintaining close coordination between the two nations in their joint efforts against Russian invasion.
The Ukrainian president revealed that his team and Trump’s are in constant contact, involving foreign and defense ministers from both countries. He reaffirmed that the United States is fully aware of Ukraine’s refusal to capitulate to Moscow.
(Zelensky’s comments come amid reports of escalating tensions and Russian-backed separatist attacks in eastern Ukraine, as Western nations continue to express support for Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia over its military intervention in the country.)
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