Trump praises call with Zelensky, promises war's end

WASHINGTON,— U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had a “very good call” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. Trump emphasized his commitment to ending the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow through diplomatic negotiations.

President Zelensky, acknowledging their conversation on social media platform X, expressed gratitude for the U.S. military aid. However, he did not mention any discussions about ending the 28-month-long war.

Trump has asserted that he will resolve the Ukraine war before taking office in January, should he win the November 5 election. He has consistently claimed that the conflict would have been averted had he been president when Russian troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

In his Truth Social post, Trump declared, “As president, I will bring peace to the world and end the war that has cost so many lives.” He expressed confidence that both sides could come to the negotiating table to create a deal that would end the violence and set a path toward prosperity.

Despite these bold promises, Trump has offered few specific policy details. In a previous interview with Reuters, he suggested that Ukraine might need to concede some territory to achieve peace.

Zelensky, in his post, congratulated Trump on securing the Republican nomination and denounced the recent assassination attempt against him. “I wished him strength and absolute safety in the future,” Zelensky wrote. He highlighted the critical bipartisan support from the U.S. for Ukraine’s fight for freedom and independence, stating, “Ukraine will always be grateful to the United States for its help in strengthening our ability to resist Russian terror. Our cities and villages face daily attacks from Russian forces.”

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, May 3 2024. Ukraine’s presidency/via iKurd.net

However, Zelensky remains firm in his stance against negotiating with Russia while their troops occupy Ukrainian territory. He reiterated his peace plan, recently presented at a global summit excluding Russia, which demands the withdrawal of Russian forces and the restoration of Ukraine’s 1991 borders post-Soviet Union.

Currently, Russian forces control approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. They have made gradual advances in the eastern part of the country along the 1,000-kilometer front since capturing the strategic city of Avdiivka in February.

The invasion launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, from the north, east, and south, aimed to destabilize the post-Cold War order in Europe. This aggressive move has led to ongoing conflict, with significant human and geopolitical repercussions.

As the conflict endures, the international community watches closely. Trump’s assertions about swiftly ending the war, if elected, add a new dimension to the U.S. presidential race. The feasibility and specifics of his proposed solutions remain to be seen, especially in light of the complex and entrenched nature of the conflict.

Zelensky’s unwavering stance and proposed peace plan continue to be central to Ukraine’s strategy, seeking global support for an end to the conflict on terms favorable to Ukraine. The situation remains dynamic, with diplomatic and military developments closely intertwined in shaping the future of the region.

As the war drags on, the resilience of Ukraine and the international support it garners will play crucial roles in determining the eventual resolution. Whether through negotiation or continued resistance, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties.

(With files from Reuters)