KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky directly appealed to former US President Donald Trump on Monday, urging him to maintain support for Ukraine as the conflict with Russia enters its fourth year. Speaking to CNN, Zelensky emphasized the critical importance of continued American assistance, stating the United States is “too big and too important to step away” from the ongoing struggle. He expressed hope that Trump, during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, will voice support for Ukraine against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
Zelensky’s plea comes at a pivotal moment, as Ukraine continues to defend against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Ukrainian leader framed the conflict as a battle between democracy and autocracy, characterizing Putin as a threat not just to Ukraine, but to global stability. “They have to stand with… a democratic country that is fighting against one person. Because this person is a war. Putin is a war. It’s all about himself. It’s all about one person. And the country, the whole country, is in prison,” Zelensky told CNN. The appeal underscores Ukraine’s growing concern over potential shifts in US policy as the November presidential election approaches.
Seeking Security Guarantees and a Path to Peace
While acknowledging the exhaustion felt by Ukrainians after years of conflict, Zelensky firmly stated that conceding to Putin’s demands is not an option. “We cannot simply give him everything he wants. Because he wants to occupy us. If we give him everything he wants, we will lose everything – all of us, people will have to flee or become Russians,” he warned. Negotiations for a peaceful resolution have stalled, with security guarantees remaining a key sticking point. Zelensky explained that Ukraine seeks concrete assurances from allies regarding their response should Russia launch another invasion in the future. He expressed frustration with assurances that Russia would not initiate further aggression, stating, “This is not the answer for me. Sorry.”
A central disagreement revolves around the sequencing of steps toward peace. According to Zelensky, Trump has proposed a framework where Ukraine would sign a peace agreement with Russia alongside a separate security guarantee agreement with the United States and European nations, ideally culminating in a grand ceremony marking the end of the war. However, Zelensky insists that these security guarantees must first be approved and ratified by the US Congress to instill confidence in Ukraine’s future security, citing past disappointments.
Territorial Impasse and the Question of Elections
The issue of territorial concessions remains a significant obstacle to any potential peace deal. Zelensky indicated Ukraine is prepared to consider freezing the conflict along current front lines, but firmly rejected any withdrawal from areas in the eastern Donetsk region still under Ukrainian control. Moscow is demanding that Kyiv relinquish approximately 20% of the region, including a crucial “belt of fortresses” comprising industrial cities, railways, and roads vital to Ukraine’s defense. “Russia wants us to simply withdraw our Army… We cannot be, sorry, such fools. We are not children. We have been through this war, for all these years, and then we simply cannot hand over the country on a platter,” Zelensky emphasized. Approximately 200,000 people currently reside in these contested areas, raising complex humanitarian considerations.
The conversation also touched upon Ukraine’s internal political situation and the possibility of elections. Zelensky, who was elected in 2019, remains in power despite his original term ending in May 2024, due to a Ukrainian martial law provision prohibiting elections during wartime. Trump has suggested Ukraine should hold elections, even referring to Zelensky as a “dictator,” a characterization Zelensky addressed with a degree of bemusement. “It’s very interesting when presidents of different countries, including the United States and Russia, talk about elections in… Ukraine,” Zelensky observed. He questioned whether the suggestion implied a belief that a different leader would be more amenable to Russian demands, stating, “I don’t recognize. He didn’t tell me.”
Zelensky spoke to CNN following a somber ceremony honoring fallen Ukrainian soldiers, personally expressing gratitude to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “It’s an honor… to deliver the order to the mother or father, husband, wife (of) heroic people who are not here with us, only in our hearts. But it’s very painful, very emotional,” he said, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the human cost of the war.
Looking Ahead: US Policy and the Future of the Conflict
As the war enters its fourth year, the outcome remains uncertain. The immediate focus will be on Trump’s address to the US Congress, where Zelensky hopes to hear a reaffirmation of American support for Ukraine. The ongoing discussions regarding security guarantees and the potential for a negotiated settlement will continue to shape the trajectory of the conflict. The situation in Donetsk, and the question of territorial concessions, will likely remain a major point of contention. The international community will be closely watching for any signs of de-escalation or renewed diplomatic efforts.
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