Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered high praise for President Donald Trump during his inauguration on Monday, a stark contrast to his previously warmer stance toward Joe Biden and Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign. Zelensky’s effusive words highlighted Trump’s strength and decisiveness, qualities he suggested could help bring the Russian invasion of Ukraine to an end.
In a statement marking the occasion, Zelensky described Trump as a “strong person” and voiced optimism about the renewed U.S.-Ukraine relationship. “President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority,” Zelensky stated. “We wish you success, President Trump!”
Zelensky also took to video to assure Ukrainians that Trump’s presidency could be a turning point for the war effort. “This is a good opportunity for progress on ending the Russian invasion,” he said, adding, “Ukrainians are ready to work together with Americans to achieve peace – true peace.”
The inauguration of the new President of the United States, Donald Trump @POTUS. He is a man of strength. I wish President Trump and all of America success.
Ukrainians are ready to work together with Americans to achieve peace—a true peace. This is a chance that must be seized. pic.twitter.com/YMk1qvUR5U
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 20, 2025
Zelensky’s comments mark a significant shift from his more contentious relationship with Biden. Despite receiving billions in military aid from the Biden administration, Zelensky faced backlash for his demands for additional funding and weapons. His public appearance in Pennsylvania during the 2024 campaign, where he lauded Biden’s support, even drew criticism for appearing to meddle in U.S. politics. The House Oversight Committee launched an investigation into whether the Biden administration used Zelensky to campaign for Harris, calling it a potential abuse of power.
Trump, meanwhile, has long championed ending the war swiftly, criticizing Biden’s blank-check approach while remaining friendly toward Zelensky. “When they did the impeachment hoax … Zelensky said President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong. He said it loud and clear, and the impeachment hoax died right there,” Trump recalled in September. He also lamented Ukraine’s suffering, stating, “It has to end.”
Notably absent from Trump’s inauguration, Zelensky joined other world leaders in extending congratulations from afar. His recent comments underscore the potential for a new chapter in U.S.-Ukraine relations under Trump’s leadership. As Trump’s peace-through-strength approach takes shape, the hope for an end to the war and renewed global stability resonates with allies and skeptics alike.
The stark contrast between Biden’s open-ended financial commitments and Trump’s decisive diplomacy highlights why leadership matters. Zelensky’s pivot reflects growing international confidence in Trump’s ability to navigate complex global challenges and prioritize American strength on the world stage.
