“People in Europe might be upset with me, but I’ve kept saying—and will continue to say—that the truth is, right now, Russia has a friend willing to send troops to die for its war,” he said, emphasizing that Ukraine’s allies are unwilling to even deliver the weapons necessary for its defense.
A Deal Zelenskyy Cannot Sign
Donald Trump, on the campaign trail, has repeatedly pledged to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, confidently claiming he could accomplish this in a single day. However, as is typical of Trump, he has offered few specifics on how he intends to achieve such a feat. Last month, JD Vance, the vice president-elect, suggested that any agreement would likely require Ukraine to cede territory—essentially acknowledging that Russia would retain some or all of the 20-plus percent of Ukrainian land it currently occupies. Vance also floated the idea of establishing a demilitarized zone in the region.
Ukrainian officials, including former foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, have dismissed such proposals as unworkable. Kuleba insists that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no interest in meaningful diplomacy, instead relying on a strategy of exhausting the West in hopes of achieving all his objectives. Moreover, Kuleba argues, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cannot realistically sign any deal that recognizes the annexation of Crimea or the Donbas region, despite publicly expressing an openness to diplomatic solutions. Such a move, in Kuleba’s view, would be politically impossible for Zelenskyy to justify.
Earlier this month, Zelenskyy suggested that Trump could help bring about a quicker end to the war. Speaking to Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne, he said, “We must do everything to ensure that the war ends next year through diplomatic means.” However, it’s unclear whether Zelenskyy genuinely believes in the viability of a negotiated settlement or is merely trying to present a cooperative stance to avoid alienating Western backers and Trump himself. According to advice he has received, Zelenskyy should avoid appearing as the first to reject such negotiations and allow Russia to appear unreasonable in its demands.
Regardless, Kuleba remains adamant that Zelenskyy cannot sign a deal that sacrifices Ukrainian territory. “If the Russians keep the Donbas and Crimea, and Ukraine is denied NATO membership, can Zelenskyy accept such an agreement? He cannot, both because of the Constitution and because it would spell the end of Zelenskyy’s political career,” Kuleba stated bluntly.
Kuleba’s skepticism about a diplomatic resolution carries significant weight. He is highly regarded in Western political circles for his skill in advocating for Ukraine’s interests. However, his resignation in September amid a controversial cabinet reshuffle orchestrated by Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s influential chief of staff, has left his departure a source of regret for some Western allies and concern among Ukraine’s internal opposition. Friends described the resignation as a forced exit, further highlighting the internal and external tensions surrounding Ukraine’s ongoing fight for sovereignty.
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