Ukrainian authorities are demonstrating a newfound confidence, Politico notes, with US President Donald Trump a key factor, News.bg reports.
Despite massive Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's energy system, there is a growing belief in Kiev that an end to the conflict may be on the horizon. The hope is that Russian President Vladimir Putin will begin ceasefire talks in the spring or summer.
At a closed-door parliamentary session with deputies from his "Servant of the People" party, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia's invasion of the eastern part of the country could be the last major offensive. He added that the country will have to endure another harsh winter, but there is a real chance of a truce.
To achieve this, Russia must be subjected to greater economic and military pressure so that Putin understands that prolonging the conflict will not bring benefits to him, but will only weaken Russia.
Trump, who brokered the ceasefire in Gaza, seems determined to end the war in Ukraine as well. A high-ranking Ukrainian delegation, including Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko, is discussing in Washington how to use the pressure on Putin and how to help Ukraine withstand Russian strikes during the winter.
President Zelensky will meet Trump personally at the White House, and Ukrainian officials believe that the situation could turn in their favor. In an address to Israeli lawmakers, Trump said he was seeking to end the war with Russia, making it a top priority for American foreign policy.
Relations between Zelensky and Trump have improved significantly since tensions flared in February, when the American leader sharply criticized the Ukrainian president. Now, meetings between the two are more friendly, and Trump even praised Zelensky as a "brave man" at the United Nations General Assembly.
Washington has recently increased intelligence sharing with Ukrainian forces, which is supporting long-range strikes on energy targets in Russia. The possibility of supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles is also being discussed, in order to increase pressure on the Kremlin, despite the risk of escalation.
As a result, the cards are starting to turn in Zelensky's favor, and Ukrainian officials hope that the trend will continue, despite Trump's unpredictability.