Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday that 2025 will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the war initiated by Russia nearly three years ago. Speaking at a parliamentary session in Kyiv following discussions with European officials and Russian leaders, he emphasized the importance of national resilience.
“In the decisive moments ahead — and they are coming next year — we must ensure the world has no doubts about the strength of our entire nation,” Zelensky declared. “This is the stage where the victor will be determined.”
Zelensky expressed confidence that the war could conclude sooner under the policies of the incoming U.S. administration, set to take office in January. Referring to the new leadership, he noted, “This administration is certainly no ally of Russia.” He also highlighted his alignment with incoming U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, stating that their discussions revealed a shared understanding of the conflict.
The Ukrainian leader pressed his allies for more Western military aid, arguing that Russia is winning because Ukraine can no longer keep up. The need for more weapons, particularly air defenses, is acute as a lack of them has allowed Russia to target critical infrastructure across the country, including power plants. As winter approaches, the country could face power outages lasting eighteen hours a day, according to a U.N. report.
However, Western governments have shown little appetite for increasing sanctions, and the incoming administration of Donald Trump needs to be clear about whether it will renew America’s commitment to Ukraine. Zelensky has also pushed for NATO allies to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles that would let Kyiv strike targets deep inside Russia. The United States and Britain have balked at doing so, fearing it would draw them into direct conflict with Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russia is deploying more troops in Ukraine and claiming gains on the front lines. The Kremlin says it has 617,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine and is planning to increase that number. Russia’s population is three times larger than that of Ukraine, allowing Putin to rely on contract soldiers and empty prisons as cannon fodder while keeping his forces at home.
Analysts warned that if the United States does not continue to pressure Russia to pull back, the war will spiral out of control. “The new administration and Congress must stay focused on this issue,” Emily Harding, director of CSIS’s intelligence, national security, and technology program, told Reuters. “If they lose sight of it, then a straight line analysis suggests that Russia will continue to throw metal and personnel at Ukraine.” The Kremlin is counting on Trump’s new administration and Congress to be distracted by other issues. Harding said that Ukraine must continue to get its money for weapons and that the United States should maintain a consistent level of support until the war ends.
