Zelensky will meet Trump after the inauguration to discuss ending the war (video).

End of the War and Meeting Between Zelensky and Trump

The Ukrainian president primarily recalled Trump's victory in the U.S. elections, which he deemed one of the most significant events of 2024. Zelensky described the newly elected president as "strong and unpredictable," expressing his belief in Trump's desire to swiftly end the war with Russia and in the genuine search for leverage against the Kremlin. According to the president, there are forces attempting to "drive a wedge" between Ukraine and the U.S. — something they are aware of and are taking "appropriate steps" against. Meanwhile, representatives from the president's office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense are in constant contact with Trump before his inauguration.

A question arose regarding the possibility of ending the war "in one day" after the newly elected president officially takes office. Zelensky noted that Trump may focus on domestic policies and issues related to the Pacific region in the early days following his inauguration. However, a personal meeting between the two politicians is possible.

"Trump told me over the phone when we spoke. He said that one of the first visits I should expect is from you — he told me this. He said that for him, the priority is to end the war, and he will do this. Therefore, I think, yes, we will have a meeting after the inauguration," the Ukrainian president stated.

There is hope that Trump's steps toward achieving peace will align with the views of Ukrainians because "there can be no other way; we are Ukraine, this is our independence, our land, and our future." At the same time, American politicians are likely already in contact with the Kremlin.

"I believe he will have contacts with the Russian side. This is understandable, as they will be examining many different details regarding what each side is prepared for," Zelensky said.

Hot Phase of the War and Frozen Conflict

The Ukrainian president also emphasized that steps to end the war will begin with the cessation of the hot phase of the conflict, where no lives are lost, and diplomacy takes precedence.

During the interview, the topic of fighting in the east and in the Kursk region of Russia was discussed. Zelensky confirmed that the situation is tense, noting that the Defense Forces have few reserves. Additionally, there is Russian advancement on Ukrainian territory, which strengthens the positions of Russia and its allies in Europe. The Ukrainian president underscored that "freezing" the conflict plays into Moscow's hands, while Kursk serves as a "strong trump card," putting pressure on the Kremlin.

Failures of the Russian army near Kursk also affect countries in the Global South, Zelensky pointed out. It turned out that politicians from these countries believed in the invincibility of the Russians, but since the summer of 2024, they have realized that this is not the case.

Security Guarantees, Victory, and Vision for Peace

A journalist asked whether the perspective on ending the war has changed: previously, there was talk of "victory," but now it is about "just peace." Zelensky noted that these two concepts should not be separated. He also recalled Ukraine's European partners, who are closely watching the behavior of the United States. The task for 2025 is to unify differing opinions regarding the end of the war, the politician stated.

The president also listed the characteristics of a just peace that Ukrainians would agree upon:

• "a strong Ukraine";
• security guarantees — meaning assurances that would demonstrate to Putin that Ukraine cannot be attacked;
• a strong army. This does not refer to the 40-50 thousand soldiers mentioned by Russia, Zelensky emphasized. According to him, agreeing to a small army would mean "no more independent Ukraine." A strong army entails weaponry and long-range missiles;
• membership in the EU.

"A just peace for Ukraine and strong security guarantees that make it impossible for Putin to return, and then diplomatically restore — if there is such an agreement," he said.

Ukraine and NATO

Zelensky also addressed the connection between security and NATO. He stated that the best option for Ukraine is membership in the Alliance. If they agree on a variant without U.S. support, it will provide "weak guarantees." At the same time, he recalled Israel — this country is not a NATO member but can intercept 200-500 missiles: this is possible due to the support of NATO member countries' air forces, the politician noted.

"There are many details of these guarantees [like those of Israel]. Such security guarantees have not yet been offered to Ukraine," he mentioned in the interview.

Western Troops in Ukraine

The head of state supported French President Emmanuel Macron's initiative for the presence of Western troops in Ukraine. However, he acknowledged that troops from just one or two countries would be insufficient. In Zelensky's view, such a decision is possible if there is indeed movement toward NATO. Another country that has expressed interest in Macron's idea is the United Kingdom: no other options were mentioned. One more aspect is that if there are troops, they should include not only ground forces but also, for instance, air and naval forces, which would be useful in places like Odessa.

"I think the United Kingdom will support this, as well as some other countries that we have agreed not to name publicly, as they fear the media impact and the influence of Russia," Zelensky stated.

Election and Zelensky's Second Term

Currently, only Russia benefits from destabilizing the situation and discussing presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine. Zelensky stated that once the state of war and the hot phase of the conflict are over, the Rada will announce the dates for the next elections. When asked if he is ready to run for a second term, he said he has not yet decided.

"This is not my goal today," Zelensky said.

It is worth noting that in December, Trump's future representative on Ukraine, Kit Kellogg, mentioned the possibility of ending the war if Ukraine agrees to relinquish the territories occupied by Russia and commits not to join NATO for 20 years.

Recall that on December 30, Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon spoke about a meeting between Trump and Putin, which was canceled due to a "demarche by the Kremlin."