In a direct and hopeful appeal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on US President Donald Trump to replicate his success in Gaza to bring peace to Ukraine. Zelensky framed the recent Middle East peace plan not just as a regional victory, but as a global opportunity to end major conflicts, including Russia’s protracted war.
On Tuesday, the Ukrainian leader articulated this vision, stating that “the right actions by the United States can also help bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” This followed a weekend phone call in which he personally congratulated Trump on the “outstanding achievement” in Gaza, drawing a clear parallel between the two situations.
Zelensky is not just waiting on Washington; he is actively building diplomatic alignment. He reported a long and productive conversation with Finnish President Alex Stubb, where they coordinated their positions on leveraging this new momentum for peace. This highlights a broader European strategy to engage the Trump administration.
The diplomatic outreach is happening under the shadow of constant Russian attacks. Zelensky gave a stark reminder of the war’s brutality, reporting on a night of intense drone and bomb strikes. He highlighted an attack on a Kharkiv hospital that left dozens injured and widespread damage to energy facilities, demonstrating the high stakes.
Ultimately, Zelensky’s message combines praise for American diplomacy with a stark demand for military aid. By calling for critical air defense systems, he reinforces his stance that Russia will only negotiate seriously when faced with a strong, well-defended Ukraine. He insists that stripping Russia of its ability to wage terror is the surest path to peace.