Zelenskyy Didn’t Start the War, But He Might Delay Its End

There is no doubt that Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression is a just one. But as the war grinds into another year under the leadership of newly re-elected President Donald Trump, a new complication has emerged—not on the battlefield, but in the halls of diplomacy. Trump has openly labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and even suggested, against all evidence, that he “started the war.”

This escalating rhetoric is making it harder for Ukraine to secure the support it desperately needs and could further stall efforts toward ending the conflict.

Trump’s foreign policy stance on Ukraine has shifted drastically from the Biden era, with his administration signaling a reduced willingness to fund Ukraine’s war effort without major concessions. His transactional approach to international relations means that Zelenskyy’s past criticisms—such as calling Trump’s claims of ending the war in 24 hours “unrealistic and uninformed”—have now made him a personal target. Trump’s resentment, combined with his skepticism toward U.S. military aid, could fundamentally change Ukraine’s standing in global negotiations.

At the heart of the issue is a clash of egos. Zelenskyy has built his leadership on defiance, refusing to bend in the face of Russian aggression and demanding unwavering international support. Trump, meanwhile, operates on loyalty and personal leverage. Having now taken office for a second term, he appears unwilling to engage meaningfully with Zelenskyy, further complicating an already fragile international response.

Zelenskyy now faces an uncomfortable truth: with Trump in office, continued U.S. aid is no longer a certainty. His recent statement that he is willing to resign if it guarantees peace for Ukraine may take on new urgency. While his departure would not automatically bring an end to the war—especially if Russia refuses to negotiate in good faith—it could be a necessary step in removing personal animosity as a roadblock to diplomatic efforts.

It is easy to frame this war as a battle of good versus evil, democracy versus tyranny. But in the real world, wars often end with negotiations, not outright victories. If personal grudges between Zelenskyy and Trump further complicate an already fragile peace process, Ukraine’s suffering will only continue. The Ukrainian people—not any individual leader—must ultimately decide the terms of peace, as they are the ones paying the highest price.

Zelenskyy did not start this war, but his actions could influence how long it lasts. And as difficult as it may be, he may need to swallow his pride for the sake of his country’s future—before the war drags on at an even greater cost.