Ukraine’s Ambassador Highlights Shift in US Policy Under Trump

Ukraine’s new ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, has expressed optimism about the prospects for peace between Ukraine and Russia, citing a significant shift in dynamics with Donald Trump back in the White House. In her first interview since taking office, Stefanishyna stated that the relationship between Kyiv and Washington has improved, allowing for a clearer strategy to end the ongoing conflict.

New Strategy for Peace

Stefanishyna emphasized that after months of discussions, Ukraine has developed a robust plan to conclude the war with Russia. “After all of these months of discussions, we know how to do it — and we just have to do it,” she remarked. The ambassador, who took up her role just before the United Nations General Assembly in late September 2023, outlined that the emerging strategy involves not just traditional diplomacy but a comprehensive approach to defense and economic partnerships.

Central to this new philosophy is the commitment to achieving a just peace rather than merely sustaining Ukraine’s military efforts. Stefanishyna noted, “The first principle is that the goal is a just peace. The second is that we are speaking about ending the war — not keeping Ukraine fighting. This is a huge difference.” She contrasted this with the strategy of the previous administration, which she argued focused more on maintaining Ukraine’s resistance rather than facilitating a resolution to the conflict.

Building Long-Term Defense Capacity

Under the Trump administration, the approach to Ukraine’s defense has shifted towards empowering Ukraine to procure military equipment directly from the United States and allied defense industries. This transition represents a fundamental change from previous forms of military aid. “Now we’re speaking about the ability to procure military equipment from the U.S. and other allies,” Stefanishyna explained. This strategy enables Ukraine to better plan its defense needs based on battlefield priorities.

Stefanishyna described the new procurement process as “a fundamentally different process” that strengthens both Ukraine’s defense capabilities and NATO’s collective security. She pointed out that the previous administration often delayed military support decisions due to concerns over escalation, while the current approach provides Ukraine with more autonomy in its defense planning.

The ambassador highlighted recent initiatives aimed at enhancing security and economic collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine. These include a new mineral deal leading to the establishment of a Ukraine Recovery and Reconstruction Fund, and an upcoming agreement focused on drone manufacturing, which aims to boost Ukraine’s military capabilities. “These partnerships are part of ending the war,” she stated, emphasizing that they are not merely agreements but essential components in creating a sustainable peace.

Stefanishyna is confident that the new alignment among Washington, Kyiv, and European allies is paving the way for a more stable future. She insists that any security guarantees must be substantial and enforceable, ideally established before any negotiations with Russia. “The West’s goal is not to prolong fighting, but to make it unsustainable for Russia,” she remarked, drawing historical parallels to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

While acknowledging the complexities of the situation, Stefanishyna commended Trump for his understanding of the realities on the ground and his results-oriented approach to foreign policy. “We’re at a moment when the U.S. and Ukraine understand each other much better,” she noted. “President Trump knows what’s happening on the battlefield and what needs to happen to end the killing.”

Looking ahead, Stefanishyna expressed Ukraine’s commitment to share its wartime experiences to further strengthen NATO and the U.S. “We want to give back our knowledge and capabilities to strengthen America and the Alliance,” she stated, highlighting a vision of partnership built on mutual strength rather than dependency.

The ambassador’s mission is profoundly personal, as she seeks to contribute to a just peace for her country. “Whatever we can do as a country, and I can do as ambassador, to serve this purpose — to bring a just peace to my land and to help President Trump deliver on his promise — is more than important for my country,” she concluded.