Ukraine launches a new front against Russia – praising Trump
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky seen at the US air base in Ramstein, southwestern Germany, on September 6, 2024. |
World leaders have been eager to align with Donald Trump since his reelection as US president, with Ukraine arguably seeking his favor more than any other nation.
In his New Year’s address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to secure peace and end Putin’s aggression, reflecting his strategy to win over the new president.
Just days after, Zelensky told an American podcaster that Trump was a “much stronger” candidate than Kamala Harris, praising him for demonstrating both intellectual and physical capability.
Zelensky is not alone in his attempts to gain Trump’s favor. In November, a Ukrainian MP from Zelensky’s party even nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize, as seen in a letter shared with the Kyiv Independent.
Such diplomatic strategies are common for foreign powers. For example, China once took Trump to the Forbidden City, and the UK government employed the royal family during his last term in office.
This is not a new tactic for Ukraine. In 2019, Zelensky called Trump a “great teacher” in a controversial phone call, which later became infamous for Trump urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
With Ukraine’s dire situation in its war with Russia, securing US support has never been more critical. The conflict has left Ukrainian forces struggling against Russia’s advances in the east, and the prospect of regaining occupied land soon appears unlikely.
Under President Biden, the US provided substantial military aid to Ukraine, and Kyiv is aware it must maintain a favorable relationship with Trump to ensure future support.
“Zelensky cannot afford to be hostile toward Trump,” Joanna Hosa, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, explained. “He must at least try to win him over to secure the best possible outcome for Ukraine, which heavily depends on American support.”
Trump has often emphasized the need to end the war in Ukraine and suggested that negotiations could be possible. His peace plan could appeal to the Kremlin, which complicates matters for Ukraine.
Zelensky has expressed his desire to work directly with the new president, acknowledging that he may need to make military compromises. “Ukraine would want to recapture all land it lost. However, after three years of this exhausting war, recapturing all land is nowhere in sight. With a heavy heart, Ukrainians are slowly coming to accept this,” Hosa noted.
Zelensky has frequently praised Trump’s strength, possibly to appeal to a leader who has championed “peace through strength.”
“Trump could be crucial. His qualities are decisive in this war. He can stop Putin,” Zelensky said earlier this month.
Orysia Lutsevych, deputy director at Chatham House, believes Zelensky’s praise is sincere. “I think he genuinely believes Trump can make bold moves, and this hope is shared by many in Ukraine.”
Trump’s approach to Russia contrasts with previous US administrations, as he has repeatedly expressed admiration for Putin and believes he can establish good relations with him. Putin, who has been condemned by Biden, has shown a willingness to engage with Trump, offering congratulations after his 2024 election win.
Even if Russia agrees to negotiate, skepticism remains about its trustworthiness, as Moscow’s previous peace promises have been broken.
Lutsevych suggested Ukraine is trying to present its defeat to Russia as a way to strengthen US influence globally. “Whether Trump will see this as a viable strategy is another matter,” she said.
Zelensky has also pitched economic deals, including a potential swap of US forces in Europe with Ukrainian troops, and has suggested using Ukraine’s wartime experience to bolster NATO and European security.
Trump, who has pushed for more defense spending from European nations, might find this offer appealing. Additionally, Zelensky's "Victory Plan" includes a mineral deal with the US, a significant resource that Ukraine possesses, potentially making it a lucrative proposal for Trump.
While flattery is often used in diplomacy, Trump’s unpredictability means there are no guarantees it will work. Despite the 2019 diplomatic efforts of the UK, Trump’s behavior sometimes contradicts expectations, such as his angry tweets targeting British leaders.
Hosa believes Zelensky’s strategy may be paying off, noting Trump’s acknowledgment that ending the war might take longer than anticipated. “Zelensky had to choose: flatter Trump or capitulate to Putin,” Hosa said. “Flattery is a small price to pay for a better outcome than that.”
