In a quick move after the US election Volodymyr Zelenskiy showed support for Donald Trumpʼs win expressing hope for strong US leadership (which happened on nov 6th). The Ukrainian leader praised Trumps peace-through-strength idea saying its exactly what could help end the conflict
Following his public statement Zelenskiy made a direct phone call to Trump to offer congratulations: they discussed working as partners. “We will keep close contact and grow our partnership‚“ the Ukrainian president wrote on social media platform X
The situation comes at a tough time — Russian forces move forward faster than ever since their first attack near Kyiv almost 3 years ago while Ukraine makes its first big push into Russian land. The occupied areas make up about 20% of Ukraine; both sides have different views on peace terms
Political expert Volodymyr Fesenko thinks Trump might push for quick peace talks but wont give in to all Russian demands: “A total surrender to Moscow would look bad for America and Trumps team knows it“
The news affected markets right away:
- Ukraine bonds went up by 2 cents in Europe
- Investors think war might end sooner
- US support could change direction
Local people in Kyiv (which still gets hit by drones and missiles) share mixed thoughts. Oleksii Iarokha age 41 said he hopes Trump keeps his word about ending the war fast while others worry about Trump-Putin connections
The time between now and jan-2025 might be important as current president Biden could make some final big moves to help Ukraine. Oleksandra Ustinova who leads parliamentʼs weapons group thinks future policy will depend on Trumps team picks — especially for defense-related jobs