Zelenskyy's top aide about war: If it were up to Ukraine, it would end tomorrow
Photo: Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
If the timing of the war's end depended on Ukraine and the democratic world, it would be over tomorrow. However, victory must lead to a just peace, Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak says during an interview in Davos.
Yermak noted that Ukraine needs the continent's support to end a war it never wanted. Yermak added that Ukrainians are the victims of Russian aggression and, more than anyone else, want to restore a just peace and end the war.
The Head of the Presidential Office commented on a statement by US President Donald Trump during the presidential debates when he refused to say whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war. Zelenskyy's top aide believes there is no need to overanalyze Trump's speech or search for any hidden meaning.
"Everybody understands: it is necessary to end this war by just peace. On our side, we always said that victory is equal to just peace. It means that for us, there is no alternative," said Yermak.
Regarding another promise by US President Trump to end the war in one day, Yermak preferred not to give any timeframes.
"I think nobody on this planet knows exactly when this war will be over. If it depended on Ukraine and all democratic world, it would be finished tomorrow," the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized.
Yermak also added that Russian leader Vladimir Putin wants the war. Putin plans to forcefully take control of Ukraine and destroy European values with its democratic order.
Trump's statements about Ukraine
Ahead of the elections, Donald Trump stated that he could supposedly end the war in Ukraine in one day. In addition, he claimed he was planning to get Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump allegedly instructed his Special Envoy Keith Kellogg to end the war in Ukraine in 100 days. However, even among the US President's team, there are concerns that this will not happen.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that an earlier end to the war could force Ukraine to make concessions, but it will not take that step.
CNN reported that Trump instructed his aides to organize a phone call with Putin, and preparations were allegedly already underway. The US President also called on Putin to stop the war against Ukraine, threatening Russia with tariffs and sanctions.
