Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces a crucial challenge in his recent conversation with United States President-elect Donald Trump.
According to political scientist and professor of International Relations at ESPM Denilde Holzhacker Zelensky needs to convince Trump to maintain American support in the face of Russia.
During your participation in the program WW this Friday (8), Holzhacker analyzed the meaning of this dialogue between the two leaders.
“There could be a reversal of expectations, but it could also be part of Trump’s strategy to convince Zelensky to make concessions,” said the expert.
Trading strategy
The professor recalled that, throughout the election campaign, Trump claimed that he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, suggesting that the country would have to make concessions to achieve a peace process.
In this context, the conversation with Zelensky could be an attempt to start negotiations to reach an agreement.
For Zelensky, dialogue with Trump is of utmost importance. The Ukrainian president had already paid a visit to the United States during the campaign, facing criticism from Republicans who questioned the sending of resources.
“He knows that this pressure will be even greater, even if Trump has a different position. There will be opposition within Congress”, explained Holzhacker.
Transition scenario
The conversation between Trump and Zelensky also signals the centrality of the Ukrainian issue on the agenda of the future American government.
“It is an important sign to understand what Trump’s steps will be like in this transition process,” said the expert.
The challenge for Zelensky now is to establish a broader dialogue with Trump, seeking to convince him of the need to maintain American aid and support in the face of the dispute with Russia.
The result of this interaction could be decisive for the future of the conflict and relations between the United States and Ukraine.
