Fri Jan 03 17:18:10 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy: Trump’s Unpredictability Could Be Key to Ukraine War Resolution

**KYIV, January 3, 2025** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s potential role in ending the ongoing war with Russia. While acknowledging that a swift end to the nearly three-year conflict is unlikely, Zelenskyy believes Trump’s “strong and unpredictable” nature could be a decisive factor.

In a televised interview, Zelenskyy stated that a rapid end to the active fighting phase is possible if Trump takes a strong stance against Russia. He voiced a desire for Trump’s unpredictability to be directed towards the Russian Federation, emphasizing the need for continued U.S. military support.

Zelenskyy’s comments come amidst uncertainty regarding the future of U.S. involvement in the conflict. Trump’s past statements have raised concerns about the continuity of robust American backing for Ukraine. To secure continued support, Zelenskyy met with Trump before the November election.

The war’s trajectory currently favors Russia, which controls roughly one-fifth of Ukraine and has made slow but steady advances in eastern regions. Ukraine faces manpower shortages and relies heavily on continued Western support.

Zelenskyy revealed that Trump responded favorably to the idea of Western peacekeepers deploying to oversee a ceasefire, an idea proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. However, Zelenskyy expressed concern over a lack of clarity on which countries would participate, specifically questioning U.S. involvement.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last August as a significant achievement, impacting perceptions of Russia’s military capabilities in Asia, South America, and Africa. While the incursion’s impact on the war’s overall dynamic has been limited, Zelenskyy views it as a valuable asset in future peace negotiations. Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO remains a key objective, although membership is contingent on the war’s conclusion.

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