Zelensky: Trump Can Play a Decisive Role in Stopping Putin

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stated on Thursday, January 3, that Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, could play a decisive role in the outcome of the 34-month war with Russia and help stop Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. According to Reuters, Zelensky, facing the advance of Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, announced in a television interview that Trump told him that one of his first meetings after the inauguration ceremony this month in Washington would be with him. He emphasized that stabilizing the front lines at the beginning of the new year is Ukraine's main priority, adding, 'Putin fears negotiation because it would mean defeat for Russia.' The Ukrainian President remarked on Trump, 'Trump can be decisive. For us, this is the most important issue. He can play a decisive role in this war. He can stop Putin or, more precisely, help us stop Putin.' He also reiterated Ukraine's need for strong security guarantees from its allies, EU membership, and an invitation to join NATO, which Moscow has rejected. He stated, 'Naturally, any security guarantee without U.S. participation would be a weak security guarantee for Ukraine.' Zelensky also emphasized that any U.S. plan to resolve the war must consider Ukraine's perspectives, adding, 'This cannot be otherwise. We are Ukraine, and this is our independence, land, and future.' The Ukrainian President pointed to the rapid advance of Russian forces in the eastern front and the capture of several villages, stating that stabilizing the front is vital. He also announced that new elections in Ukraine are not possible as long as the wartime emergency status continues, but if conditions allow, he would consider running again. Trump stated: 'If I were president, we wouldn't have the Russia-Ukraine war, and Hamas wouldn't have attacked Israel.' Zelensky expressed hope for U.S. cooperation with Ukraine. Ukraine has halted the transfer of Russian gas to Europe.