Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that Russia’s war in Ukraine will end “quickly” when Donald Trump becomes US president. Speaking in a radio interview with Ukrainian state broadcaster Suspilne, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the situation is difficult on the battlefield, where Russia is taking advantage of its advantage in manpower and weapons.
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Referring to the Trump administration, Volodymyr Zelensky said that the war “will end faster with the policy of the team that will now lead the White House.” According to CNN, he further said, “This is their point of view, their promise to their society, and this is very important for them too.” Zelensky stressed that on the Ukrainian side, “we must do everything so that the war ends next year by diplomatic means.”
Trump, who was elected to a second term earlier this month, has repeatedly claimed that the Ukraine-Russia war would never have started if he were president. In July, he said he could resolve the conflict in a day — though he did not explain how he would do so. During his campaign, the president-elect and his running mate, J.D. Vance, raised serious doubts about the US’s continued commitment to Kiev.
The war has been going on for more than two years since the massive invasion of Russian forces in February 2022. Russia is gaining ground in key locations on the fronts of eastern and southeastern Ukraine and getting closer to key centers such as Kurakhove. Russia claimed on Saturday that it had captured two more eastern settlements in the Donetsk region, although this has not been confirmed by Ukraine.
At the same time, Moscow is preparing to launch a counteroffensive in the southern Russian region of Kursk, the site of Kiev’s only major military success this year. Zelensky acknowledged that the situation in the eastern part of Ukraine is “really difficult.” “The Russians are continuing to press slowly but steadily and move forward,” said Zelensky, who has been waiting 12 months for some weapons deliveries.
However, the Ukrainian leader pointed out that Russia’s advance has come at a heavy cost for Moscow’s forces, saying they are losing up to 2,000 soldiers a day. “These are terrible losses. They cannot go on with such losses,” he said.
Why Zelensky Trusts Trump in the Russia-Ukraine War?
- Optimism About Trump’s Diplomatic Approach: Zelensky believes Trump’s administration might prioritize resolving the conflict diplomatically, aligning with his hope to end the war quickly through negotiations.
- Trump’s Promises of Resolution: Trump has claimed he could end the war within a day, giving Zelensky hope that his policies may expedite peace efforts and reduce battlefield struggles.
- Doubts About Long-Term US Support: Trump’s campaign raised concerns about continued US military aid to Ukraine, possibly signaling a shift in strategy towards negotiating an end to the conflict.
Key Points from Zelensky’s Statements:
- War Could End Under Trump: Zelensky believes the conflict may end quickly with Donald Trump’s policies and leadership in the White House.
- Challenging Battlefield Situation: He acknowledged Russia’s steady advances in eastern Ukraine, utilizing their superior manpower and weapons.
- Focus on Diplomacy: Zelensky stressed Ukraine’s commitment to ending the war by 2025 through diplomatic efforts.
Russia-Ukraine War
The Russia-Ukraine War, ongoing since February 2022, has caused immense devastation with heavy casualties on both sides. Russia continues its offensives in eastern and southeastern Ukraine, while Ukraine struggles with delayed military aid. Diplomatic solutions remain elusive, though global pressure mounts for peace as the humanitarian and economic toll grows.
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