Ukrainian president says he wants US President-elect Trump to help end war with Russia

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday voiced hope that US President-elect Donald Trump could play a role in bringing an end to the war with Russia.

"I want very much for Trump to help us and to finish this war," Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Brussels, where he is attending the EU Council.

He emphasized the critical importance of US support in Ukraine's struggle for peace and independence while also acknowledging Washington's significant role in shaping the conflict's outcome.

"We are waiting for the inauguration of the new president, Donald Trump, and we would like to start having a serious plan of how to stop Putin," he added.

Zelenskyy also pointed to the possibility of negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, "I very much want peace. But how to end the war without negotiations with Putin?"

"I very much count that we will have unity between the United States, as I said, and European leaders," he stressed.

Trump has previously stated that if re-elected, he could end the conflict within 24 hours, but he has yet to elaborate on the specifics of his plan.