Zelenskyy hopes Trump’s ‘unpredictability’ ends war with Russia

“He’s very strong and unpredictable, and I would really like to see President Trump’s unpredictability apply to Russia. I believe he really wants to end the war,” Zelenskyy said.

Trump, who takes office on 20 January, has said he will end the nearly three-year conflict in “24 hours” once in power, a claim that has drawn scepticism from Kyiv, which fears it will be forced to give up land for peace.

However, Trump has not provided detailed plans regarding Ukraine, though his prior remarks have cast uncertainty over whether the United States will continue to be Ukraine’s most significant military supporter.

“I believe (Trump) is strong and unpredictable. I would very much like President Trump’s unpredictability to be directed primarily toward the Russian Federation,” Zelenskyy said, adding that, “The ‘hot’ stage of the war can end quite quickly if Trump demonstrates strength in his position.”

Eager to secure Washington’s continued backing, Zelenskyy met with Trump in New York even before the US presidential election in November.

As the war approaches its third anniversary next month, the combination of Trump’s forthcoming presidency and the conflict’s persistence has brought renewed attention to how and when Europe’s largest conflict since the Second World War might conclude.

Currently, Russia controls approximately one-fifth of Ukraine, having exploited vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s defences last year to make gradual advances in the east, despite sustaining heavy losses in troops and equipment. The war’s momentum is not favouring Ukraine, which remains stretched on the front lines and reliant on ongoing support from Western allies.

According to Zelenskyy, Trump responded positively to a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the potential deployment of Western peacekeepers in Ukraine to enforce a ceasefire. Zelenskyy discussed the matter with Trump and Macron during a meeting in Paris last month.

“But I raised an issue, saying we didn’t hear what specific countries will join this initiative, and whether the U.S. will be there,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader is resolute about his nation’s aspirations to join NATO. While the alliance’s 32 member states have affirmed that Ukraine will one day become a member, this is contingent upon the war ending.

“The deployment of European troops (to keep the peace in Ukraine) should not rule out Ukraine’s future in NATO,” Zelenskyy emphasised during the interview.

Zelenskyy also described the incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russia’s Kursk border region as a “very strong trump card” for future peace negotiations.

In an attempt to counter discouraging news from the front lines, Ukraine captured part of Kursk last August, marking the first occupation of Russian territory since the Second World War.

(With Inputs from Associated Press)

From the homepage

‘Advising tourists to stay put until rescued’: As flood toll crosses 14, Mamata opens 24/7 control room, to visit Darjeeling tomorrow

IND-W vs PAK-W LIVE Cricket Score, Women’s World Cup 2025: India 247 all out (50 overs) vs Pakistan in Colombo

Bihar Assembly polls to be held before November 22: Election Commission