Ukraine war could end sooner under Trump's leadership, says Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that Russia’s war against Ukraine could conclude earlier following Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House.

Speaking to Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, Zelensky noted that the policies of Trump’s administration might expedite the conflict’s resolution.

"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 remarked. However, he refrained from specifying a timeline, adding, "The war will end, but we don't know the exact date."

Zelensky revealed he had a "constructive exchange" with Trump during a phone call after the former president’s victory in the US presidential election. "I didn’t hear anything that goes against our position," Zelensky said, highlighting a positive rapport between the two leaders.

Throughout his campaign, Trump has been critical of the substantial US aid provided to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Promising to resolve the conflict "in 24 hours," Trump has yet to detail his proposed strategy. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Trump reiterated his focus on ending the war, stating, "We're going to work very hard on Russia and Ukraine. It's got to stop."

Despite Zelensky’s optimism, concerns persist in Ukraine about a potential decline in US support under Trump’s leadership. With Ukrainian forces facing significant challenges on the battlefield, there are fears of being pressured into territorial concessions to Russia, potentially undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.