On November 7, 2024, a combination of photos highlighted the arrival of Ukraine’s President Volodyr Zelenskyy at an EU summit in Brussels and former U.S. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. In a recent interview, Zelenskyy emphasized that effective security guarantees to end Russia’s war against Ukraine could only come from the United States. He expressed hope to engage with Trump after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Zelenskyy praised Trump for his intention to swiftly resolve the conflict, while also highlighting the importance of a strategic approach to negotiations. With almost three years of war, the election of Trump has generated optimism in Ukraine for a peace deal, albeit with concerns that a quick resolution might come at a significant cost. Zelenskyy firmly advocated for NATO membership and warned that a ceasefire without solid security assurances would allow Russia to regroup. He asserted the necessity of U.S. involvement in providing these guarantees, stating, “Without the United States, security guarantees are not possible.” He called for collaborative discussions with Trump and European leaders before Ukraine engages directly with Russia to establish a more secure and lasting peace.
