Italian
The interview given by Volodymyr Zelenskyy to The Guardian marks a crucial moment in the international debate on Ukraine’s security and prospects for peace. The Ukrainian president has sent a strong signal: the willingness to negotiate with Russia from a position of strength, suggesting even a possible exchange of territories.
UKRAINE. One of the most relevant aspects of the interview concerns Zelenskyy’s willingness to negotiate a possible exchange of territories with Russia. “We will exchange one land for another,” he stated, suggesting that Kyiv could cede territories controlled by Russia, such as the Kursk region, in exchange for the return of areas occupied by the Russian army. However, the Ukrainian president reiterated that all Ukrainian regions are essential, without prioritizing one specific area over another. This approach suggests that Kyiv may seek a pragmatic solution to end the conflict while maintaining a strong negotiating position.
The security node
Zelenskyy stated unequivocally that “security guarantees without America are not real security guarantees”. His position arises from the awareness that European states, despite increasing their support to Kyiv, do not possess the same military and economic capacity as Washington. An emblematic example is the Patriot air defense system, the only one capable of protecting Ukraine from a wide range of Russian missiles. Although some European leaders, such as Emmanuel Macron, have considered sending troops for a peacekeeping mission, Zelenskyy has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of an operation of this nature without a large-scale commitment.
Trump and the Kyiv strategy
Zelenskyy’s position towards Trump, who has repeatedly expressed the desire to reduce support for Kyiv, is based on pragmatism. To persuade the former American president, the Ukrainian leader is focusing on economic leverage, offering US companies priority access to post-war reconstruction and the exploitation of Ukrainian natural resources. “We are not only talking about security, but also about money,” he stated, appealing to Trump’s business-minded mentality. This approach could prove effective, considering Washington’s growing interest in the rare earth deposits and other strategic resources present in Ukraine.
Diplomacy and resistance
The upcoming meeting between Zelenskyy and JD Vance, vice president and key figure in Trump’s entourage, represents a litmus test. Vance has so far been among the most hostile to supporting Ukraine, but Zelenskyy’s goal is to build a channel of dialogue. His strategy is clear: to convince the United States that Ukraine is not just a geopolitical issue, but also an economic opportunity for American investors.
Europe and the security dilemma
Zelenskyy’s insistence on the indispensable role of the United States raises questions for Europe as well. If Washington were to actually reduce its commitment, European countries should take a more decisive stance. However, political fragmentation and fears of direct confrontation with Russia make an autonomous initiative difficult. Macron has raised the possibility of a European contingent, but without clear consensus among EU members, this possibility remains far from realization.
Zelenskyy is facing a new balance of power that could redefine the future of Ukraine. With Biden, American support was guaranteed, albeit not without difficulties. With Trump, everything appears uncertain. The bet for the Ukrainian president is to make it clear that Kyiv’s security interest is also an economic interest for the United States. Whether this strategy will succeed, only time will tell. What is certain is that Ukraine, after three years of war, continues to fight not only on the battlefield but also in the rooms of international diplomacy.
