Sunday | January 19, 2025
Since Donald Trump’s reelection as U.S. president, world leaders have been vying for his favor—perhaps none more so than Ukraine. In his annual New Year address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism, saying he had “no doubt that the new American president is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending Putin’s aggression.” This statement exemplifies Zelensky’s strategy to win Trump’s support.
Just days later, Zelensky praised Trump during an interview with an American podcaster, describing him as a “much stronger” candidate than Kamala Harris and lauding his intellectual and physical capabilities. Zelensky’s efforts to ingratiate himself with Trump are echoed by others in Ukraine. In November, a member of his political party even nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, according to a letter obtained by the Kyiv Independent.
Flattery is a well-worn diplomatic tactic. For example, China hosted Trump at the Forbidden City, and the UK involved the royal family during his previous term. Ukraine, too, has used this approach before. In a 2019 phone call, Zelensky famously referred to Trump as a “great teacher,” an exchange that later became the subject of impeachment proceedings.
Ukraine now faces mounting challenges in its war with Russia, entering 2025 on the defensive. Russian forces outnumber Ukrainian troops in the east, and the prospect of reclaiming occupied territories remains bleak. Under outgoing President Joe Biden, the U.S. provided extensive military aid to Ukraine, but Zelensky recognizes the need to maintain Trump’s support to ensure continued assistance.
‘Peace Through Strength’
“Zelensky doesn’t have the luxury of hostility toward Trump,” said Joanna Hosa, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “He must work to secure Trump’s backing, as Ukraine’s future depends heavily on American support.”
Trump has emphasized ending the war through negotiation, though his envoy’s proposed peace plan includes concessions favorable to the Kremlin. Acknowledging this, Zelensky has indicated a willingness—perhaps out of necessity—to consider battlefield compromises. “Of course, Ukraine would want to recapture all lost territory,” Hosa noted. “But after three years of this exhausting war, achieving that goal seems increasingly unlikely.”
Zelensky has repeatedly described Trump as a decisive leader, aligning with Trump’s own “peace through strength” narrative. Earlier this month, he told Ukraine’s wartime network, United News, “Trump could be crucial. His leadership qualities suggest he could stop Putin.”
Aligning Interests
Trump’s longstanding admiration for Vladimir Putin and his belief in the possibility of amicable relations with Russia add complexity to the situation. Following Trump’s reelection, Putin congratulated him, calling him a “courageous man,” and expressed a willingness to meet.
Despite Trump’s interest in negotiations, experts caution against trusting Moscow’s intentions. CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh notes that Russia’s previous peace pledges have often been deceptive, casting doubt on the credibility of any potential ceasefire.
According to Orysia Lutsevych, deputy director of Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia Programme, Ukraine is framing its struggle as vital to America’s global influence. “Kyiv is trying to show that its success strengthens U.S. power projection,” she explained. However, she acknowledged that convincing Trump of this strategy remains uncertain.
Zelensky has also sought to appeal to Trump’s business instincts. His “Victory Plan,” unveiled in October, includes a major deal with the U.S. for access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. The plan positions Ukraine as a profitable partner for America, an offer that could resonate with Trump’s economic priorities.
The Risks of Flattery
While Zelensky’s approach appears to be yielding some results—Trump recently walked back claims that he could end the conflict in 24 hours—it carries risks. Trump’s unpredictability makes outcomes hard to guarantee. Despite receiving a royal welcome in 2019, he publicly criticized then-British Prime Minister Theresa May and London Mayor Sadiq Khan during a visit to the UK.
Nevertheless, experts believe Zelensky’s strategy is pragmatic. “He faced a choice: flatter Trump or risk capitulating to Putin,” Hosa concluded. “Flattery is a small price to pay for the chance at a better outcome.”