Zelenskyy urges Trump to pursue peace in Ukraine as political opportunity

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to take advantage of the moment and help end the war in Ukraine, framing it as both a humanitarian necessity and a political opportunity for the Republican leader.

In an interview with The Atlantic, Zelenskyy said that stopping the conflict between Ukraine and Russia—Europe’s bloodiest war in generations—would cement Trump’s reputation as a peacemaker and could strengthen Republican prospects ahead of the November midterm elections.

“I think there is no greater victory for Trump than to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. “For his legacy, it’s No. 1.” He added that ending hostilities could also deliver a major political achievement for the Republican Party, noting, “The most advantageous situation for Trump is to do this before the midterms. Yes, he wants there to be less deaths. But if you and I are talking like adults, it’s just a victory for him, a political one.”

The Atlantic highlighted Zelenskyy’s understanding of Trump’s political motivations while noting the Ukrainian president maintains a realistic perspective on Moscow’s willingness to compromise. Zelenskyy considers it unlikely that the Russian side could be pressured into concessions.

The interview also underscored Zelenskyy’s characteristic stubbornness in resisting external pressure. A longtime adviser, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that if Zelenskyy is told to take a particular action, “he’s probably going to do the opposite,” adding, “It’s always been like that.”

By Vugar Khalilov