In a revealing conversation with American podcaster Lex Fridman, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a bold offer made to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Zelensky suggested that Ukraine could purchase American weapons using Russian assets—about $300 billion worth—currently frozen due to sanctions.
“This is one of the security guarantees we can offer,” Zelensky explained. “Take the frozen Russian money, and instead of gifts, we’ll buy the weapons we need from the U.S. We don’t need handouts from America, just the weapons that will help us defend ourselves.”
Zelensky emphasized that this proposal would benefit both Ukraine and the U.S. “It’s not Ukrainian or European money—it’s Russian money. Let them pay for it,” he added.
Although Zelensky didn’t reveal how Trump responded to the idea, it’s clear that the two leaders have been trying to build a more positive relationship. Despite earlier criticisms of U.S. spending on Ukraine, Trump and his team have recently hinted that he may continue military support for Ukraine.
Trump’s appointed National Security Advisor, Michael Waltz, voiced concerns about unchecked U.S. spending on Ukraine, calling it a “blank check.” Yet, sources suggest that Trump might not cut off military aid to Ukraine entirely.
Zelensky, despite his rocky past with Trump (especially related to Trump’s impeachment in 2019), has made efforts to engage with the former president. They’ve met a couple of times recently, including during the U.S. election campaign and at the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in December.
When asked about Trump’s 2024 election victory, Zelensky praised his resilience, saying, “He’s strong, he’s young, and his mind works.”
Looking ahead, Zelensky has stressed the importance of ending the war through diplomatic means by 2025. He’s even suggested that a Trump administration might bring an end to the war faster, pointing to a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership.
What do you think about Zelensky’s bold proposal? Could this idea bring about a new chapter in the U.S.-Ukraine relationship? Let us know your thoughts!