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Translation:

Andrey Nikulin:

The logic of Zelensky’s actions is understandable—he simply has no choice. He has to flatter, just as other world leaders do. And to ingratiate himself with a simple calculation in mind—what if it works?

It is fairly obvious that Kyiv was betting on the Democrats and the continuation of the current cooperation, which, despite some grievances, still existed, and no other country has provided, nor could provide, more support to Ukraine than the United States. The Democrats did at least something. The Republicans, especially the Trump-aligned generation, represented by the former/new president himself, Vance, and Speaker Johnson, have clearly demonstrated that Ukraine and its issues do not interest them.

So now Zelensky has a double strategy: to extract maximum resources and weaponry from the Democrats during Biden’s remaining time in office and to try to build relations with Trump. For Trump, the Ukraine issue will become one of the first tests of his promises to “solve it in a day.”

Although he has often made promises and failed to fulfill them regularly, resolving the conflict could simply mean eliminating one side of it. What’s the big deal? Fighting? Not anymore. No one left to fight. And applause ensues, turning into ovations.

In general, we are left to observe the unfolding events—with predictable skepticism. However, there is also a sizable group of experts and politicians who have consistently criticized the current Washington authorities for “not resolving things quickly and efficiently.” Now, we will see what “quickly” looks like.

And the Ukrainian president’s message to Trump:

"Congratulations @realDonaldTrump on the impressive election victory!

I remember our wonderful meeting with President Trump in September, where we discussed the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the U.S., the Victory Plan, and ways to end Russian aggression against Ukraine.

I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to a ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This is precisely the principle that can, in practice, bring about a just peace in Ukraine. I hope we will bring this to life together.

We eagerly await the era of a strong United States under the decisive leadership of President Trump. We count on the continuous strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States.

We are interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both our countries. Ukraine, as one of Europe’s strongest military powers, strives to ensure long-term peace and security in Europe and the Transatlantic community with the support of our allies.

I look forward to personally congratulating President Trump and discussing ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States."

Hashtags: #Zelensky #UkraineUSRelations #USForeignPolicy #TrumpEra #USUkraineAlliance #PeaceThroughStrength #USPolitics #BipartisanSupport #StrategicPartnership #UkraineConflict

Editor’s Conclusion:

In this commentary, Andrey Nikulin captures the delicate balancing act that Zelensky faces amid shifting political landscapes in the United States. With the Democrats winding down their term and the potential return of Trump, Zelensky’s strategies reflect both pragmatic foresight and a calculated approach to ensure Ukraine’s continued support. His message of congratulations to Trump underscores the necessity for diplomatic tact and adaptability, signaling Ukraine’s willingness to collaborate across political divides.

Zelensky’s dual strategy mirrors the high stakes for Ukraine, as it seeks to maintain and strengthen its alliance with the U.S., regardless of domestic American political changes. This nuanced diplomatic approach highlights Kyiv’s reliance on American backing and its resilience in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.

Keywords:
Zelensky, Ukraine, U.S.-Ukraine relations, Trump administration, Biden administration, bipartisan support, strategic partnership, Ukrainian diplomacy, U.S. foreign policy, peace through strength

Introduction:
As the U.S. political stage undergoes seismic shifts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky finds himself adapting his diplomatic strategy to secure critical support for Ukraine’s defense and stability. With the Biden administration nearing its term’s end and Donald Trump’s potential re-entry into power, Zelensky’s approach has become a fine balance of extracting remaining support from the Democrats while cautiously extending a hand toward Trump and his allies. Amid ongoing Russian aggression, Ukraine’s leader aims to safeguard his nation’s strategic interests by appealing to both sides of the American political divide, prioritizing Ukraine’s need for resources and sustained partnerships. This dual-front strategy highlights the stakes for Ukraine, relying heavily on U.S. aid to secure a just peace and long-term stability.