Zelenskyy Open to Working with Trump, Discusses Potential Ceasefire with Russia

In an interview with Sky News, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the possibility of a ceasefire with Russia amidst ongoing tensions, which have escalated since the US elections in November. Zelenskyy outlined the terms for a potential ceasefire, stating that it could be achieved if Ukrainian territory currently under his control were integrated into the “NATO umbrella.” He emphasized that NATO’s recognition of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders could help de-escalate the situation.

Zelenskyy explained, “If we want to stop the hot phase of the war, we need to take under the NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control.” He added, “We need to do it fast. And then on the [occupied] territory of Ukraine, Ukraine can get them back in a diplomatic way.” He also underscored that NATO membership would be key in protecting Ukraine from further Russian aggression, stressing the need for a “guarantee that Putin will not come back” to seize additional Ukrainian land.

In addition to his remarks on the ceasefire, Zelenskyy shared his openness to working with President-elect Donald Trump after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Despite his strong ties to the Joe Biden administration, which has been crucial in supporting Ukraine’s efforts, Zelenskyy stated, “I want to work with [Trump] directly because there are different voices from people around him. And that’s why we need not to [allow] anybody around to destroy our communication.” He continued, “It will be not helpful and will be destructive. We have to try to find the new model. I want to share with him ideas and I want to hear from him.”