Ukraine is counting on Donald Trump to end the war with Russia in 2025. While Vladimir Putin scares Europe with the new Oreshnik missile that “can hit anywhere” in the Old Continent, Kiev awaits the inauguration of the new president of the United States for a turning point in negotiations that will pave the way for peace. Trump, as is known, has for months said he is convinced that he can bring Ukraine and Russia to the table for a quick agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to say he is confident that the war with Russia can end in 2025 and that “in January we will have a plan”, he reiterated to foreign media on the sidelines of the third international conference ’Grain from Ukraine’.
What Zelensky said
“As for when the war will end… it will end when Russia decides to end it. When the United States takes a stronger position. When the Global South stands with Ukraine and for ending the war.” , says Zelensky, underlining that he is confident that these developments will occur sooner or later and that decisions will be made.
“It will be a difficult journey, but I am convinced that we have every chance of achieving this goal next year – he states – we understand that Russia will not agree with all these steps, but there is the UN Charter and all our actions are based on it. We hope they will be supported by our partners.”
“I want to hear Trump’s proposals”
The biggest unknown for Zelensky – and at the same time the main hope – is the new US administration. It is necessary to listen to Trump’s proposals on the plan to end the conflict. “We are open – says Zelensky -; I will say it once again, and among other things, to the leaders of African, Asian and Arab countries… We are ready to see their proposals. I also want to see those of the new president of the United States of America. I think we will have these proposals in January and that we will have a plan to end this war.”
“I am sure that next year we will have every chance to end the war – adds the Ukrainian president – There are appropriate steps for this… We understand that Russia will not take all these steps. But there is a UN charter and all our steps based on the UN Charter will be supported by partners.”
The (daily) message from Moscow
Putin, particularly talkative in recent days with 2 messages, remains silent, leaving room for the proclamations of Dmitry Medvedev, former president and current number 2 of the Security Council. The president, after the launch of a new medium-range missile against Ukrainian territory, warned Europe in particular: “We can strike anywhere”, he said as a reaction to the actions carried out by Kiev, which hit Russian territory with missiles Americans (Atacms) and British (Storm Shadow).
In short, it is up to Medvedev to indicate the ideal solution to the conflict for Russian parameters: “If the NATO bloc stops fanning the flames of war in Ukraine, this conflict can end without any further cost to humanity,” says Medvedev.
How essential is U.S. support in achieving a resolution to the war in Ukraine?
[Time.news Editor]: Welcome to this engaging dialogue where we explore the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Ukraine and Russia. Today, we have with us Dr. Elena Koval, an esteemed expert in international relations and conflict resolution. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Koval.
[Dr. Elena Koval]: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
[Time.news Editor]: Ukraine is counting on Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House in 2025 to help negotiate an end to the war with Russia. What are your thoughts on this expectation? Can a single individual really influence such a massive geopolitical conflict?
[Dr. Elena Koval]: That’s a great question. While the power of any U.S. president is significant in foreign relations, the dynamics at play in this conflict are incredibly complex. Yes, Trump believes he can bring both sides to the negotiating table quickly, but the realities on the ground, such as the military objectives of Russia and Ukraine’s sovereignty concerns, cannot be overlooked.
[Time.news Editor]: Exactly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated confidence in ending the war by 2025. He mentions needing a stronger U.S. position and support from the Global South. How critical do you think U.S. involvement is in this situation?
[Dr. Elena Koval]: U.S. involvement is indeed crucial. Historically, the U.S. has played a stabilizing role in European security matters. If the Biden administration or a future administration takes a strong stance, it could influence not only the actions of NATO allies but also the behavior of countries in the Global South. However, it’s important to recognize that peace negotiations will require buy-in from various stakeholders, including Russia.
[Time.news Editor]: Zelensky emphasized that the conflict will end “when Russia decides to end it.” Is there a realistic pathway for Ukraine to achieve a favorable outcome, given Russia’s current posture?
[Dr. Elena Koval]: That’s the million-dollar question. Ukraine’s strategy hinges on maintaining international support and leverage, while simultaneously preparing for any potential negotiations. Zelensky’s hope for developments in the Global South to support Ukraine is interesting; alliances can shift dramatically in conflict situations, so finding common ground will be essential.
[Time.news Editor]: Zelensky has expressed openness to Trump’s proposals for resolving the conflict. What do you believe those proposals might entail, and do you think they’d be credible?
[Dr. Elena Koval]: While it’s difficult to speculate, Trump’s proposals would likely revolve around leveraging economic incentives for Russia and possibly altering military support allocations. Some may view this as appeasement, while others could see it as a necessary compromise to pave the way for peace. The credibility of any plan will largely depend on whether it respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and addresses the fundamental issues at stake.
[Time.news Editor]: It seems that the uncertainty of future negotiations under a new U.S. administration is a double-edged sword for Ukraine. Is there anything that can be done on the diplomatic front in the interim?
[Dr. Elena Koval]: Absolutely! Ukraine should continue to strengthen its alliances with European nations and actively engage with other global powers. Additionally, media campaigns to increase awareness and concern about the conflict can help maintain international pressure on Russia. Diplomatic channels must remain open even in the absence of a solidified U.S. plan.
[Time.news Editor]: It sounds like while there’s hope for a resolution, navigating this terrain will require skillful diplomacy and patience. Thank you, Dr. Koval, for sharing your insights today.
[Dr. Elena Koval]: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these crucial issues.
