Ukraine’s Zelensky Praises Trump’s “Strong Resolve” in Ending Ukraine War, Calls for International Unity
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has praised US President-elect Donald Trump as one of the few leaders acknowledged by Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the need for decisive action to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Al Jazeera reports.
Following meetings in Paris with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron over the weekend, Zelensky described the talks as “very productive,” expressing gratitude for Trump’s “strong resolve” in seeking a resolution.
“We know that America has the capacity to accomplish remarkable things – things that others have not been able to achieve,” Zelensky wrote on X.
These remarks follow Trump’s Sunday call for an “immediate ceasefire” and negotiations. However, Trump’s proposed strategy remains unclear. Some fear a cessation of military aid pushed by Kyiv and the satisfaction of Russia’s territorial claims.
Trump’s appointment of retired General Keith Kellogg as his special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine war further fuels these anxieties. Kellogg has advocated for delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership application, tying US military aid to Kyiv’s participation in peace talks, and potentially offering sanctions relief to Moscow in exchange for a peace agreement.
Zelensky dismissed calls to lower the military draft age from 25, following reports of US officials suggesting conscription of 18-year-olds.
