Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine could end more swiftly under the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking in an interview with Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne on Friday, Zelensky acknowledged significant challenges on the battlefield, where Russian forces continue to leverage their advantages in manpower and weaponry.
“The war will end faster with the policy of this team that will now lead the White House,” Zelensky remarked, referring to Trump’s administration. He noted that this approach aligns with Trump’s campaign promises, adding, “This is their approach, their promise to their society, and it is also very important to them.” Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s focus on achieving a diplomatic resolution, saying, “We must do everything to ensure that the war ends next year through diplomatic means.”
Trump’s Stance and Global Reactions
Trump, recently re-elected to a second term, has repeatedly claimed that the Ukraine-Russia conflict would not have started under his leadership. During his campaign, he suggested he could resolve the war in a single day but provided no specifics. Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have also expressed skepticism about continued U.S. support for Kyiv, raising questions about future military and financial aid.
Meanwhile, G7 leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in a statement on Saturday. “We stand in solidarity contributing to [Ukraine’s] fight for sovereignty, freedom, independence, territorial integrity, and its reconstruction,” the group declared, holding Russia accountable as “the sole obstacle to just and lasting peace.”
Escalation on the Battlefield
On the ground, Russia continues to make gains in eastern and southeastern Ukraine. Moscow claimed on Saturday to have captured two more settlements in the Donetsk region, though Kyiv has not confirmed these advances. The fighting has been particularly intense near strategic locations like the city of Kurakhove. In the southern Russian region of Kursk, Russia is reportedly preparing a counteroffensive in response to Ukraine’s earlier military success.
Zelensky described the eastern front as “indeed difficult,” citing slow but steady Russian advances. “There is a slow but steady pressure and advance of the Russians,” he said, noting that Ukraine has been waiting over a year for critical weapons deliveries. Despite this, he highlighted the high cost of Russia’s offensive, stating they are losing up to 2,000 soldiers daily. “These are terrible losses,” Zelensky said. “They cannot keep advancing with such losses.”
Diplomatic Challenges and Criticism
The Ukrainian president also criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for holding a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. This marked their first conversation in two years. Zelensky accused Scholz of undermining international efforts to isolate Putin, calling the move a “Pandora’s box.”
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