Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that Ukraine aims to conclude the war with Russia next year through “diplomatic means,” particularly as both nations brace for Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House.
February 2025 would signify the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Russian forces making recent gains against Kyiv’s severely outnumbered and outgunned troops.
The possibility of Mr. Trump regaining power in the United States next year has sparked concerns regarding the conflict’s future, given the Republican president-elect’s past criticisms of U.S. military assistance to Kyiv.
Mr. Zelensky indicated that the war may end “sooner” than previously anticipated once Mr. Trump assumes the presidency.
A resident walks by a wrecked building in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in his first phone conversation with a significant Western leader in almost two years, conversing with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who initiated the call despite objections from Kyiv.
“On our side, we must do all we can to ensure that this war concludes next year. We need to settle it through diplomatic means,” Mr. Zelensky stated during an interview with Ukrainian radio. “This is crucial, in my opinion.”
While there have been no substantial discussions between Russia and Ukraine, Mr. Trump’s potential re-election has cast the future of the brutal conflict into ambiguity, with the Republican frequently pledging to negotiate a swift resolution.
“We must comprehend what the Russians desire,” Mr. Zelensky stated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained that he would only consider negotiations with Ukraine if the Ukrainians relinquish territories currently occupied by Russia.
The Kremlin reiterated this demand during the phone call with Mr. Scholz.
The Ukrainian leader has firmly rejected Mr. Putin’s preconditions.
North Korean Involvement
As North Korea deploys troops into the most significant conflict on European soil since World War II, Russia’s invasion has triggered shockwaves that extend well beyond the continent.
For weeks, Western nations and Ukraine have warned that thousands of North Korean troops have been aiding Russian forces in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has regained considerable territory since early August.
This development follows months of strengthening military relations between the two former Communist allies, culminating in Russia and North Korea ratifying a notable defense agreement.
After a month-long occupation, the bodies of numerous civilians were discovered shot in the streets, with some having their hands bound behind their backs.
G7’s Position on Ukraine
Ukraine expressed outrage after Chancellor Scholz of Germany reached out to Mr. Putin.
Germany stated that Mr. Scholz “condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and urged President Putin to withdraw troops.”
The statement also mentioned that Mr. Scholz “called on Russia to demonstrate a willingness to negotiate with Ukraine for the purpose of achieving a just and lasting peace.”
However, Ukraine accused the German chancellor of an “attempt at appeasement,” arguing that the call would do little more than lessen Mr. Putin’s “isolation.”
The chancellor, whose fragile coalition government collapsed last week, also faced backlash domestically, with the conservative opposition party branding the center-left leader’s move as giving Mr. Putin a “propaganda victory.”
Germany’s Scholz spoke to Mr. Putin in a phone conversation yesterday.
Mr. Scholz noted that he had consulted with Mr. Zelensky prior to the call with the Kremlin leader and had also updated other Western allies about the discussion.
The G7, which comprises many of Ukraine’s principal supporters, affirmed that Russia remained the sole impediment to a just peace in Ukraine and pledged to enforce sanctions targeting Russia.
Since this summer, Russia has made gradual advancements in eastern Ukraine, moving closer to critical hubs such as Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.
Read more: Rebuilding Ukraine: investing in a time of war
Mr. Zelensky remarked that Russian forces were incurring substantial losses and that their advances had “slowed down” in certain areas.
He added that Ukraine was “at war with a state that does not value its people, that possesses abundant equipment, and that is indifferent to the number of casualties.”
