As the geopolitical chessboard reshuffles following the US presidential election, expectations are high from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who confirmed on Friday that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is likely to conclude sooner under the forthcoming Trump administration. The war, which has been a detrimental blow to Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic security, may see a potential closure due to the different policy approach expected from the President-elect, Donald Trump.
Zelensky, addressing the press, said, “It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House.” The conflict between Russia and Ukraine sparked in 2014 due to Russia’s annexation of Crimea leading to a loss of more than 10,000 lives till 2018. The tumultuous region has been repeatedly stoking the diplomatic anxiety between the West and Russia.
Trump’s stand on Russia during his campaign trail implies a projected different foreign policy approach compared to the Biden-led or Obama-led administration. He has hinted at a potential relaxation in sanctions on Russia. This move could act as a catalyst for conversation and dialogue that has the potential to pacify the decade-long tumultuous relation between Ukraine and Russia.
The belief in Trump’s leadership originates from his non-conventional and unpredictable approach to foreign policies. From the Iran nuclear deal to North Korea’s denuclearization, President Trump has shown a tendency to go against the established grain of diplomatic norms. This has raised hope among Ukrainians that an out-of-box solution is possible to end this ongoing conflict.
However, Trump’s idea of the détente with Russia has sparked apprehension among certain NATO allies, who fear that this could lead to an emboldening of Moscow further. Skeptics argue that the movement towards Russia by Trump might compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty and security concerns.
Against the backdrop of such debates, President Zelensky’s comments highlight that Ukraine is ready to see any potential change in U.S. foreign policy as an opportunity to expedite the end of conflict. Zelensky dreams of a day when the country no longer has to remain clenched in the fist of war but could spread its arms wide open to peace, prosperity, and development.
Regardless of the speculation, only time will reveal the impact of Trump’s administration on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. While the Ukrainian administration remains optimistic, it depends on the actual policies that come into effect. The Trump administration will have to tread on eggshells to ensure that its approach does not compromise the security of Ukraine or that of its NATO allies, while potentially securing détente with Russia.
Just like the rest of the world, Ukraine is keeping a keen eye on the incoming U.S. administration. Whether Trump’s term leads to better relations between the countries or worsens the present situation, remains a point of eager anticipation. But for now, Zelensky’s comments sparkle with a flicker of optimistic hope amidst the dark clouds of an ongoing war and potential political chaos.
