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Can Trump and Zelensky End the Ukraine–Russia War?

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky are building a key relationship that could settle the Ukraine-Russia conflict. What’s their strategy, and where will it lead?

,   and  Earl Gray
5 min read

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Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky might seem like an unusual pair at first glance. Trump is a tough businessman-turned-president with a reputation for shaking up the status quo, and Zelensky is a former comedian who became Ukraine’s wartime leader. But despite their differences, their relationship is becoming one of the most talked-about topics in global politics.

With Trump returning to the White House, there’s a lot of suspense about how these two leaders will work together and what it could mean for the ongoing war in Ukraine. So, let’s break it down: What they think of each other, what they’ve talked about, and what might happen next with the war that American taxpayers are giving up money on.

What Does Trump want of the Ukraine–Russia War?

Trump wants the war in Ukraine to end quickly. Considering the U.S. has frozen billions of dollars in Russian assets, that sanctions have been running since at least 2022 (or earlier than that considering that penalties started after the 2014 Russian illegal annexation of Crimea), and that the U.S. still has unmatched military might, Trump certainly holds some persuasive power to help in ending the war.

What Trump Thinks About Zelensky

Trump has spoken highly of Zelensky in the past, even calling him a “piece of steel” for how he handled himself during Trump’s first impeachment trial. Back then, Zelensky refused to go along with claims that Trump pressured him for political favors, and Trump clearly hasn’t forgotten that. He sees Zelensky as someone who stood firm under pressure, and that seems to have earned him Trump’s respect.

More recently, Trump has made it clear that he wants to end the war in Ukraine quickly. He’s repeatedly promised to resolve the conflict “in one day.” 

What Zelensky Thinks About Trump

Zelensky, meanwhile, hasn’t always been happy with U.S. leaders. Under President Biden, Ukraine has received billions in military aid after Russia invaded its territory, but Zelensky has been frustrated with how slow and indecisive that support has been. He’s criticized Biden for holding back the weapons and resources Ukraine needs to win, which dragged the war out.

That’s why Zelensky is open to seeing what Trump might bring to the table. He’s publicly said that he believes the war could “end faster” with Trump in office, which shows he’s willing to give Trump’s approach a chance. Still, Zelensky also has to be careful. He’s under pressure at home not to give up any territory to Russia in a peace deal, which could complicate the picture.

Have Trump and Zelensky Talked?

Yes, Trump and Zelensky already started talking. After Trump’s recent election win, Zelensky called to congratulate him, and they had what Zelensky described as a “constructive” conversation. They didn’t dive into the specifics of any peace plan yet, but the fact that they’re talking is a good sign.

One interesting twist: Elon Musk joined their first post-election call. Musk has been supporting Ukraine with his Starlink satellite system, which has been extremely important for communication during the war.

What’s Trump’s Plan with the War in Ukraine?

Trump’s exact plan to end the war isn’t fully clear yet, but here’s what we can piece together from his statements and actions:

Negotiation first

Trump wants to get Ukraine and Russia to the table to hammer out a deal. He’s hinted that this could involve Ukraine keeping most of its current territory but resolving disputes over areas like Crimea through diplomacy.

Pressure on both sides

Trump has suggested he’ll use America’s influence to push both Ukraine and Russia toward a compromise. If Ukraine is willing to negotiate, Trump has promised to keep supporting the country with military aid. If Russia refuses, he’s warned that he would increase support for Ukraine to turn up the heat on Putin.

“America First” approach

Trump has always been clear that he doesn’t want the U.S. to keep footing the bill for endless wars. He’ll focus on making sure any solution is good for American taxpayers, while still supporting Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.

What Does Zelensky Want?

Zelensky’s goals are a bit more complicated. On one hand, he wants the war to end so Ukraine can begin rebuilding. On the other, he’s under immense pressure not to make territorial concessions to Russia. Still, with the war dragging on and both sides suffering heavy losses, Zelensky seems more and more open to diplomatic solutions. He knows Ukraine can’t fight forever without more international support.

What makes Trump appealing to Zelensky is his toughness. While other leaders might hesitate, Trump’s willingness to take big risks could create new opportunities for peace.

What Can We Expect on the War in Ukraine with Trump?

Looking ahead, we can expect more direct conversations between Trump and Zelensky. Trump has already said he wants to work closely with Zelensky without middlemen getting in the way. This hands-on approach could lead to faster decisions and fewer delays in addressing key issues.

However, there will likely be challenges. Trump’s focus on negotiation might clash with Zelensky’s reluctance to give up any territory. And Trump’s “America First” strategy could mean tighter conditions on U.S. aid, which might not sit well with some of Ukraine’s other allies.

What’s Next for Trump and Zelensky in 2025?

Trump and Zelensky’s partnership is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about relationships in global politics. Together, they have a real chance to change the direction of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and put an end to the huge human and economic costs of the war dragging on.

There’s a lot of anticipation here. Trump’s confidence and Zelensky’s willingness to discuss new ideas could lead to a breakthrough. Of course, there are challenges ahead, but the fact that they’re talking and seem ready to work together gives hope. If they can find common ground, this partnership might just deliver the peace that both nations—and the world—are waiting for.

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