Zelenskiy Sees Higher Chance of War in Ukraine Ending in 2025

(Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signaled the war that has ravaged his country is more likely to end this year because of US President-elect Donald Trump’s sway over Russia.

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Speaking through an interpreter in an interview with four Polish media outlets on Wednesday, Zelenskiy replied in the affirmative when asked if he believes there is now higher chance of the hostilities drawing to a close in 2025.

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“Trump really wants to end the war — these are his words,” Ukrainian president said in Warsaw. “He’s able to put the pressure, influence Russia. I’m convinced that Russia is afraid of the US, China and united Europe.”

Ukraine’s European allies have become cautiously optimistic that Trump won’t force Kyiv into premature negotiations with Russia, officials familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. President-elect’s nominee for special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, told Fox News last week he’d like a solution to be found in the first 100 days of the administration.

At the same time, Russia will demand Kyiv drastically cut back military ties with NATO and become a neutral state with a limited army in any talks with Trump, according to the people with knowledge of Kremlin thinking.

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