Since Donald Trump’s reelection as the United States president, Ukraine has worked hard to secure a relationship with him, believing his leadership could significantly impact their ongoing war against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made several public comments emphasizing his trust in Trump’s ability to achieve peace and end Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, signaling how essential American support is to Ukraine’s survival and sovereignty.
In his annual New Year address, Zelensky expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to bring an end to the ongoing war, stating he had “no doubt that the new American president is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending Putin’s aggression.” Just days after, Zelensky again complimented Trump, claiming that the president-elect was a “much stronger” candidate than Kamala Harris. He further praised Trump’s abilities, stating, “He showed that he can do it intellectually and physically.” This approach is part of a larger strategy by Ukraine to gain favor from Trump and ensure continued US support.
Flattery and Strategic Alignment: Ukraine’s Path to Securing US Support
This isn’t the first time Ukraine has taken steps to win over influential world leaders. From inviting Trump to the Forbidden City to the UK government’s royal engagements, foreign governments have historically used such flattery to influence US politicians. Zelensky’s overtures to Trump can be traced back to 2019, when he called Trump a “great teacher” during the controversial phone call that led to Trump’s impeachment, which sought to pressure Ukraine into investigating Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
As Ukraine enters 2025, its position in the war against Russia has become increasingly precarious. Ukrainian forces are struggling to fend off Russian advances in the east, and hopes of retaking occupied Russian territory are dimming. With the US being the largest provider of military assistance to Ukraine, Zelensky and his government know that maintaining good relations with Trump is critical to securing further support.
Joanna Hosa, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted that Zelensky has no choice but to align with Trump. “He must at least try to get him on Ukraine’s side in order to secure the best possible outcome for Ukraine, which depends enormously on American support,” Hosa said.
Trump’s ‘Peace through Strength’ and Zelensky’s Strategic Appeal
One of the key aspects of Zelensky’s appeal to Trump is his recognition of Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine. Zelensky has repeatedly described Trump as a strong leader, hoping to tap into his decisiveness to bring an end to the war with Russia. “Trump could be crucial. I think this is the most important thing for us. His qualities are like that. He can be decisive in this war. He can stop Putin,” Zelensky told United News, Ukraine’s wartime TV network.
Orysia Lutsevych, deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, suggested that Zelensky’s praise is not just political posturing. “I think he genuinely believes that Trump can make bold moves, and this is where this hope comes from, and not only in Zelensky’s mind but in Ukraine more broadly,” Lutsevych said.
Aligning Interests: Trump’s Potential Role in Ending the War
Unlike previous US administrations, Trump has long believed that he could have a positive relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Over the years, Trump has expressed admiration for Putin, and even after his election win, Putin congratulated him, calling him a “courageous man.” In his December year-end news conference, Putin also indicated his readiness to meet with Trump, offering a potential shift in US-Russia relations that could play a pivotal role in the war.
However, there is skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith, with past Russian pledges of peace being met with deception. As CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh points out, any peace deal with Russia may be hollow. But Ukraine is working hard to present the conflict’s resolution as a means to strengthen American power on the world stage, positioning a victory over Russia as a win for global security.
Ukraine’s Proposals to Strengthen NATO and Build Economic Ties with the US
In addition to seeking Trump’s support on the military front, Ukraine has made several overtures to appeal to Trump’s business-minded approach to foreign policy. Zelensky proposed a plan in October 2024 to swap some US military forces in Europe with Ukrainian troops once the war ends, suggesting that Ukraine’s battlefield experience could help bolster NATO’s defenses.
Furthermore, Zelensky’s so-called ‘Victory Plan,’ announced in October 2024, includes a deal with the US on critical minerals, an area where Ukraine has substantial resources. This strategic offer is intended to bolster Ukraine’s relationship with the US by emphasizing the economic benefits for America, further solidifying the country’s appeal to Trump, who has prioritized American business interests.
Challenges Ahead: Unpredictability of Trump’s Response
Despite these calculated efforts, there is no certainty that Zelensky’s approach will yield results. Trump’s unpredictability has been a defining trait throughout his political career. While his 2019 UK visit, complete with royal engagements, didn’t stop him from launching a tirade against British leaders, Zelensky seems willing to take the risk. According to Hosa, Zelensky’s strategy of flattery has already shown signs of success, as Trump acknowledged in July 2024 that peace in Ukraine might take longer than expected.
“He [Zelensky] faced a choice: flatter Trump or be forced to capitulate to Putin,” Hosa remarked. “Flattery is a small price to pay for a better outcome than that.”
Conclusion: Ukraine’s Diplomatic Gamble with Trump
With the war in Ukraine showing few signs of resolution, Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts to win Trump’s support are crucial for Ukraine’s future. The balance between flattery, military aid, and economic opportunity could determine whether Ukraine secures a favorable outcome or continues to struggle in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its complex relationship with the US, Trump’s influence remains pivotal, and Zelensky’s calculated efforts to align with him are likely to be tested in the coming months. If successful, this strategy could be a game-changer for Ukraine in its quest for peace and territorial sovereignty.
