Spokesperson: Ukraine seeks strong ties with incoming US administration Eyes Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting

Ukraine is keen to establish strong cooperation with the incoming administration in US, with plans for a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President-elect Donald Trump following the inauguration on January 20.

Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the country's focus on fostering relations with the new US leadership, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"Our position is simple: everyone in Ukraine wants to end the war justly for our country. We see that President Trump is also determined to bring the war to a close. So, the key thing we are waiting for is the meeting between our two presidents—President Trump and President Zelenskyy. What matters most for us is working together with America for peace," Tykhyi stated.

He also emphasized that preparations are underway for high-level Ukrainian-American contacts immediately after Trump's inauguration. "Contacts between the two sides will undoubtedly take place," Tykhyi confirmed.

Note that, according to Keith Kellogg, Trump's chosen special Ukraine peace envoy, US President-elect Donald Trump has set a goal to end Russia's war against Ukraine within 100 days of his inauguration. Kellogg stated, "This is a war that needs to end, and I think he can do it in the near term," referring to the near-term as 100 days after Trump assumes office on January 20.

Kellogg emphasized that Trump's aim is to "save Ukraine and save their sovereignty," asserting that the effort would be fair and equitable, without giving concessions to Russia. He also praised Trump’s willingness to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, contrasting it with President Biden's refusal, which he deemed as "his biggest mistake."

Trump, who has vowed to negotiate a peaceful resolution from the moment he is elected, previously stated he would not begin peace talks until after his inauguration. Kellogg, who has served in key roles within the Trump administration, was set to visit Kyiv, though the trip is now postponed until after the inauguration.

In a January 7 press conference, Trump accused President Biden of provoking Russia's invasion, attributing it to US support for Ukraine's NATO aspirations. Meanwhile, there have been reports suggesting Trump's team might consider delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership for up to 20 years in exchange for military aid and peacekeepers.

By Aghakazim Guliyev