Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held back-to-back press conferences, each delivering messages aimed at U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
During his annual press conference at Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor, Putin mentioned that it had been over four years since he last spoke with Trump and stated he was unsure when they would meet again. He added that he was ready to meet anytime.
Putin also mentioned that he has consistently been open to dialogue and negotiations, but the other side, referring to Ukraine, has refused to negotiate. He noted that if he meets Trump, there will be much to discuss.
During the four-plus-hour press conference, Putin exuded confidence, saying he has “protected Russia.” He displayed a relaxed demeanor, and the conference served as a dialogue with the public.
With Trump set to take office next month, speculation is growing that he may take a different stance on Ukraine support than the Biden administration. Some believe he pressured Ukraine to end the war early by asserting that time was on Russia’s side.
Zelenskyy appeared noticeably more urgent at the EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, on the same day.
Zelenskyy emphasized, “I think that President Trump is a strong man, and I want very much to have him on our side.”
He appealed, “I hope that he will understand me because I think that we all, it doesn’t matter, politicians, businessmen in the past, we are just people anyway and we have, I think, the same emotions and the same values.”
Zelenskyy expressed his dislike for the term “ceasefire” when discussing peace negotiations. He explained that considering only a ceasefire for today without thinking about tomorrow equates to merely a temporary freeze in hostilities.
The EU also lent support to Zelenskyy’s appeal that day.
In a joint statement at the summit, the twenty-seven EU countries stated, “No plans regarding Ukraine should be made without Ukraine’s consent.”
The previous day, EU leaders and heads of major countries met with Zelenskyy at NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s residence. This was essentially a “strategy session” to develop arguments to persuade Trump.
Zelenskyy pointed out that European security guarantees alone are insufficient. Analysts suggest that the EU’s role may be limited due to the decisive influence of the U.S., a key NATO member.
Germany and France, both core EU member states, face challenges in focusing on diplomatic issues due to their domestic political situations.
Hungary, a pro-Russian member state opposing support for Ukraine and extending sanctions, also poses a problem.
Last week, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that he had proposed a ceasefire and prisoner exchange to Ukraine for Christmas, but they rejected it.
Zelenskyy dismissed Orbán’s statements as political propaganda, “But it’s not really holiday mood with us.”
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