By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In his November 6th address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to President-elect Donald Trump, urging him to maintain strong relations with Ukraine despite past tensions. Zelensky highlighted the potential for greater cooperation in defense, economy, and post-war reconstruction, stressing the benefits for both nations and the free world. He invoked the legacy of Ronald Reagan, emphasizing the importance of “peace through strength” and linking Trump’s potential presidency to Reagan’s strong foreign policy stance. Zelensky referenced their previous meeting in September where he presented Trump with Ukraine’s victory plan and invited him to visit the country, an invitation Trump accepted. Despite Trump’s previous criticism of Zelensky and his handling of the war, Zelensky expressed hope for a strengthened partnership in the future.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism about the potential for stronger cooperation between his country and the United States following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s foreign policy stance and his apparent admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky believed that there was an opportunity to forge a stronger partnership.
He recognized that Trump’s political style and priorities might differ significantly from those of his predecessor, Barack Obama. However, Zelensky was determined to navigate these complexities and secure the continued support of the United States, which was crucial for Ukraine’s security and its efforts to resist Russian aggression.
While some observers expressed skepticism, believing that Trump might be swayed by Putin’s influence and abandon Ukraine to its fate, Zelensky seemed to be adopting a pragmatic approach, recognizing that it was vital to establish a good working relationship with the new US president. He understood that Trump was driven by self-interest and a desire for positive headlines, so Zelensky aimed to leverage these motivations to Ukraine’s advantage.
Zelensky’s strategy involved highlighting potential gains for Trump in supporting Ukraine, presenting the conflict with Russia as an opportunity for the US to demonstrate its strength and leadership on the world stage. He sought to portray himself as a strong and determined leader who could deliver results, appealing to Trump’s fondness for decisive action and a winning mentality.
The success of this strategy would depend on Zelensky’s ability to manage Trump’s volatile temperament and unpredictable behavior. It would require a careful balance between flattery and firm negotiation, as Zelensky aimed to secure the continued flow of US aid and military support while resisting any pressure to make concessions to Russia.
The situation was undeniably precarious, with Trump’s unpredictable nature casting a long shadow over the future of US-Ukrainian relations. Zelensky’s gamble was a high-stakes one, but he recognized that the stakes for Ukraine were even higher, as its very existence was at stake.