Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance in a recent interview with the New Yorker, warning that Vance’s proposal to end the war in Ukraine would lead to a “global showdown.” Vance had suggested that if elected, former President Trump would work with Russia, Ukraine, and European leaders to establish a peaceful settlement that would grant Moscow territory it has illegally seized. Zelenskyy argued that such a plan would create a world where “might is right” and jeopardize world order, including in the Middle East and against threats from China.
Zelenskyy highlighted his positive interactions with Trump, noting that the former president offered support and understanding during phone conversations. However, Zelenskyy expressed doubts about Trump’s ability to stop the war in Ukraine, questioning whether Trump truly knows how to achieve peace. Despite the criticism of Vance and concerns about potential lack of U.S. aid under Biden, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of presenting a “victory plan” to unite Western allies against Russia and strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations.
The specifics of Zelenskyy’s victory plan were not disclosed, but it is expected to include calls for additional military aid, lifting long-range strike bans, and expediting Kyiv’s accession into the EU and other alliances. Zelenskyy believes that a strong Ukraine will compel Putin to the negotiating table, but he expressed worry that Biden might deny further aid with the impending presidential election. Nonetheless, Zelenskyy acknowledged Biden’s initial support and suggested that a diplomatic resolution to the war hinges on giving Ukraine the necessary tools to negotiate effectively with Moscow.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s plan for ending the war does not rely on Russian cooperation and can be implemented with support from Western partners. He urged for strength in negotiations to prevent further loss of Ukrainian lives. Zelenskyy’s message also implied that diplomacy can only be effective if Ukraine is equipped to negotiate from a position of strength. While Vance’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment, Zelenskyy’s outspoken critique of his proposal reveals the high stakes involved in finding a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and the complex geopolitical considerations at play.
