The path to peace in Ukraine runs through Washington, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the wake of a US-brokered peace plan for Gaza, the Ukrainian leader has made his most direct appeal yet, stating that “the right actions by the United States” are the key to ending Russia’s invasion.
Zelensky on Tuesday praised President Donald Trump’s “success” in the Middle East, framing it as a demonstration of what strong American leadership can achieve. He argued that this success has created a “momentum for advancing peace” that must now be directed towards the conflict tearing his own country apart.
This message was personally conveyed to Trump in a recent phone call, where Zelensky congratulated the US President. Furthermore, Zelensky is coordinating his approach with European allies, citing an hour-long call with Finnish President Alex Stubb to discuss and align their diplomatic stances on the matter.
However, Zelensky’s hopeful rhetoric was tempered by the harsh reality of ongoing war. He reported that Russia’s campaign of “aerial terror” continued with nearly 100 drones launched overnight. He condemned a particularly brutal attack where aerial bombs struck a hospital in Kharkiv, injuring 57 people and damaging nearby energy infrastructure.
This reality reinforces Zelensky’s core demand: robust military support. His call for the US, Europe, and the G7 to provide “Patriot, NASAMS, SAMP/T, and other vital systems” is presented as the essential foundation for any successful peace process. Without strength, he argues, talk of peace is futile.