Zelensky appealed to Trump with a "political" argument and outlined the conditions for peace
In The Atlantic article, Zelensky describes his communication with Donald Trump in the most pragmatic terms possible. He says that ending Russia's war against Ukraine could be Trump's key legacy as a peacemaker and a political win ahead of the US midterm elections. At the same time, the president acknowledges the risk that American mediators may lose patience and that the White House's attention will shift over time.
Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine would rather not sign any agreement than agree to humiliating terms. He also stated that, in his opinion, Ukraine is not losing and is holding the front line, in particular thanks to the massive use of drones. The text cites estimates that Russia has been trying unsuccessfully to completely capture Pokrovsk for almost two years, and that the average monthly losses of Russian troops could reach 35,000. According to the publication, the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, presented a plan in January to bring this figure to 50,000 per month.
The article also mentions a study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, which states that the total losses in terms of deaths, injuries and missing persons on both sides could approach 2 million, and that Russia, with its larger economy and population, is capable of sustaining a war of attrition for longer.
Regarding the negotiations, The Atlantic writes that the Ukrainian side is demonstrating a willingness to move faster so that Washington does not get the impression that Kyiv wants to prolong the war. Zelenskyy has stated that he is ready for elections and even a referendum, but only on condition of security guarantees, a ceasefire and clearly defined commitments from partners.
Zelenskyy cites US and European guarantees to protect Ukraine after a potential ceasefire as a key requirement. He acknowledged that there are still unresolved issues in the draft document on security guarantees, in particular whether the US would be prepared to shoot down missiles over Ukraine in the event of a violation of the agreements by Russia. According to him, answers are lacking, so Ukraine will insist that all such commitments be set out in writing.
The article also mentions that Ukraine, according to two advisers, may consider the most difficult concession, the loss of control over part of the Donetsk region, but Zelensky emphasises that a decision on this is only possible within the framework of the right package of guarantees and conditions and that a bad agreement should not be put to a referendum.
