Ukraine Hopeful With Trump Administration To End War With Russia, Ajit Doval's Role Also Highlighted

As Donald Trump assumes office as the US President, Ukraine has announced plans to engage with the new administration to bring an end to the ongoing war with Russia, now nearing its third anniversary.

During a virtual interaction from Kyiv on Monday (20 January), Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, emphasised the importance of US involvement in achieving peace.

“We are looking very positively at the role of the United States and President Trump for ending this war. We are looking at starting consultations with the new US administration,” Yermak said.

He also highlighted the potential role of non-Western nations like India and South Africa in contributing to peace efforts.

Yermak referred to Trump’s earlier campaign promise, where the then-presidential candidate stated, “Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, shortly after we win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled.”

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently expressed optimism about Trump’s signals regarding the Ukraine conflict.

He noted that Ukraine has engaged with India through various platforms, including the peace formula proposed in Switzerland.

“I am waiting to continue dialogue with my Indian colleague Ajit Doval (National Security Advisor) with whom we have worked all this period of time,” Yermak said.

He added, “The global goal is to end this war. I am sure the position of India that this war has to end is extremely important, not just by some temporary ceasefire but by bringing peace.”

Yermak also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv in August 2024, where PM Modi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the plight of Ukrainian children forcibly displaced by Russian forces.

Modi’s emotional visit to a memorial for children who lost their lives in the conflict resonated deeply. “President @ZelenskyyUa and I paid homage at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv,” Modi posted on X, expressing solidarity with grieving families.