Ukrainian Trump is elected 47th president, soundly defeating Harris to retake …”>President Hails Trump as Key to Ending Conflict, Curbing Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that incoming U.S. President Donald Trump could play a decisive role in ending the war in eastern Ukraine and helping to contain Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky made these remarks in an interview with his wife, Olena Zelenska, during a New Year’s telethon on January 2.
"Trump could be the decisive factor," Zelensky stated. "For us, that’s the most important thing. His qualities, they exist. He is capable of being the decisive factor in this war. He can help us stop Putin."
Zelensky reiterated that he had previously spoken with Trump on several occasions. He described the U.S. President-elect as "strong and unpredictable," and expressed hope that Trump’s unpredictability would primarily be directed towards Russia. Zelensky also asserted his belief that Trump was genuinely interested in terminating the conflict in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks come amidst ongoing tensions with Russia following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. With the U.S. poised to undergo a change in leadership, Zelensky’s faith in Trump’s ability to influence the situation reflects the high stakes involved in the U.S.-Ukraine relationship.
