KYIV, Ukraine — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “strong and unpredictable,” qualities he believes could significantly influence Trump's approach towards the ongoing war sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In a recent interview, Zelensky noted the challenges of resolving nearly three years of conflict in a single day, as Trump has sometimes suggested during his campaign.

Zelensky emphasized that the “hot” phase of the war could potentially conclude swiftly, provided Trump adopts a robust stance against Russia. “I believe [Trump] is strong and unpredictable. I would very much like President Trump’s unpredictability to be directed primarily toward the Russian Federation,” he stated, outlining his hopes for U.S. involvement in the conflict (AP News).

As Trump approaches his inauguration on January 20, he has yet to clarify his policy on Ukraine, leaving questions about whether the U.S. will maintain its critical military backing for the country. Zelensky, aware of this uncertainty, is keen on ensuring continuous support from Washington and previously met Trump in New York before last November's presidential elections.

The conflict is entering its fourth year, with Russia currently controlling about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. The ongoing war has seen Russia taking advantage of perceived weaknesses in Ukraine’s defenses, leading to slow but steady territorial gains despite significant losses. Importance is placed on solidifying Western support for Ukraine's military efforts (South China Morning Post).

During a conversation concerning potential peacekeeping initiatives, Trump reportedly acknowledged the suggestion from French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Western troops overseeing peace agreements. However, Zelensky raised concerns about which nations would participate and the U.S.’s role in such an initiative (HuffPost).

Determined to secure NATO membership for Ukraine, Zelensky remarked that any deployment of European troops to maintain peace in Ukraine should not hinder its future accession to the military alliance. He characterized the incursion into Russia's Kursk border as a “very strong trump card,” asserting that it adds leverage in future negotiations for peace (Los Angeles Times).

Although Ukraine successfully captured parts of Kursk last August, marking the first time since World War II that they occupied Russian territory, analysts suggest that the dynamics of the war remain unfavorable, with Ukraine losing approximately 40% of the ground it originally seized. Still, Zelensky asserted that this success has influenced perceptions of Russia’s military capabilities internationally, particularly in regions such as Asia, South America, and Africa.