Zelensky sees opportunities in Trump’s unpredictability: “If it is aimed at Russia”

Zelensky described Trump as “strong and unpredictable.” According to the Ukrainian president, these qualities can be decisive in negotiations with Russia about an end to the war with Ukraine. “I would very much like President Trump’s unpredictability to be focused primarily on Russia,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president said he thinks Trump is genuinely interested in making peace and that Russian President Vladimir Putin is afraid of the president elected in November. Yet Zelensky does not believe the nearly three-year war can end one day. He also reiterated that all Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia since 2014 must be returned to Ukraine.

LIVE WAR UKRAINE. One dead and four injured by Russian airstrikes in Ukraine

Zelensky also insisted on clear security guarantees and rejected a Russian proposal to reduce the Ukrainian army as a condition for peace. He acknowledged that Russia is advancing in eastern Ukraine, but attributed this mainly to a lack of troop reserves. According to him, Ukraine is doing everything it can to stabilize the front in January.

Trump has criticized US support for Kiev several times and stated that he would end the conflict in a day, without going into detail. Since his victory in November’s elections, hostilities in the conflict have also intensified. Both warring parties want the strongest possible starting position for any negotiations.