Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that security guarantees for Kyiv to end Russia’s war would only be effective if the United States provided them.
In an interview with U.S. podcaster Lex Fridman, Zelenskyy expressed hope for an early meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump after his inauguration on January 20.
Zelenskyy praised Trump’s commitment to swiftly ending the war, though he noted the lack of specifics in Trump’s proposed approach. “Ukrainians are counting on him to compel Moscow to agree to a lasting peace,” he said.
Almost three years into Russia’s invasion, Trump’s return to the White House has sparked cautious optimism for a diplomatic resolution while simultaneously raising fears in Kyiv over potential compromises that could favor Russia.
During the three-hour interview published on YouTube, Zelenskyy reiterated his call for Kyiv’s NATO membership.
He stressed that a ceasefire without robust security guarantees would only give Russia time to regroup and launch further attacks.
According to Zelenskyy, Trump’s “peace through strength” philosophy aligns with Ukraine’s strategy for achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Trump’s return sparks hope for peace but raises concerns over potential compromises.
“Without the United States, security guarantees are impossible,” Zelenskyy emphasized. He pointed to U.S. leadership’s necessity to ensure Russia’s aggression is contained and discouraged.
Zelenskyy underlined the importance of direct talks with Trump to outline actionable steps for halting Russian advances.
He also highlighted the need for European governments to play a role in shaping these security guarantees before Kyiv could engage in direct negotiations with Russia.
The stakes remain high as Kyiv looks to secure its future and protect its sovereignty.
Zelenskyy’s comments underscore Ukraine’s reliance on strong international partnerships, particularly with the United States, to achieve a durable peace in the face of ongoing threats from Russia.
Whether Trump’s administration can fulfill these expectations will be a critical test in the months ahead.
