Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed confidence that the war with Russia will “end sooner” if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
While acknowledging that the situation on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine remains challenging with Russian advances, Zelensky noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not open to a peace agreement.
In an interview, Zelensky described a “constructive exchange” with U.S. President-elect Trump after a phone call following his victory over Kamala Harris. Zelensky stated that Trump did not make any remarks contradicting Ukraine’s position, but he did not disclose whether Trump had set any conditions for potential negotiations with Russia.
Zelensky also mentioned that U.S. law prevents him from meeting Trump until his inauguration next January, and he emphasized that he would only engage directly with Trump, avoiding intermediaries.
Zelensky told Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne that the conflict would likely end sooner with the new U.S. administration’s policies, reflecting their commitments to their citizens. He emphasized that Ukraine would continue to seek a diplomatic resolution by next year.
Trump has previously suggested he could quickly bring an end to the conflict, though he has not provided specific details, and he has criticized the level of Western aid to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a conversation with Putin, his first in nearly two years, urging Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine and initiate negotiations for a “just and lasting peace.” Zelensky criticized the call, saying it risked undermining efforts to isolate Putin and facilitate ordinary talks, which he believes plays into the Russian leader’s agenda.
As the conflict approaches its 1,000th day, Ukraine faces intensifying challenges in the east, with reports of Russian gains and shortages in military supplies.
Overnight, Kyiv was hit by Russian drone strikes, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure, though no casualties were reported.
Ukrainian air defences managed to intercept many of the drones, and Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed it captured two villages in the Donetsk region, though this has not been independently verified.
