Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump have aligned on a clear strategy for the Ukraine conflict: building strength for peace. Their “positive and productive” call on Saturday emphasized that military reinforcement is the necessary precursor to achieving “real diplomacy” with Russia.
The strategic alignment was articulated by Zelensky, who stated explicitly that Russia’s “readiness” to negotiate “can be achieved through strength.” This principle provides a philosophical foundation for the continued US military support and guidance.
The conversation quickly moved to the practical implementation of this strategy. After Zelensky briefed Trump on the ongoing Russian attacks on Kyiv’s energy system, the two leaders focused on concrete ways to enhance Ukraine’s resilience.
The key area of discussion was strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. Zelensky hinted at progress by mentioning “good options and solid ideas” and that “concrete agreements” are in the works, suggesting that the US is actively collaborating to provide the tools necessary to build that decisive strength.
By framing the call in this way, Zelensky successfully positioned military aid not as an escalation of the war, but as the only logical and necessary step toward its cessation. The partnership is now firmly focused on creating the leverage needed to secure a lasting and favorable peace.
