President Donald Trump’s inauguration took place on January 20th, 2025. In the lead-up to the President’s return to the White House, citizens of Ukraine expressed a nuanced perspective regarding his promise to put an end to the country’s ongoing conflict with Russia. While some individuals expressed feelings of optimism — even if preceded by caution — an overarching belief has been placed under the spotlight that the resolution of the war is inherently linked to Ukraine’s own initiatives and strategies.

This perspective unveils a larger skepticism towards foreign interventions, grown from historical experiences where international agreements have not consistently secured long-term peace for Ukraine. With that said, the complexities behind the Ukraine-Russia conflict call for solutions that prioritize and incorporate the aspirations and agency of the Ukrainian people.

Political scientists place importance on the observation that while international diplomatic efforts and support are necessary in more ways than one, overreliance on external promises without active Ukrainian participation may not produce lasting outcomes. The unique dynamics of this conflict demand a peace process that genuinely reflects and addresses Ukrainian goals and sovereignty.

Historically, Ukraine has experienced notable challenges in its pursuit of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Previous international agreements have often fallen short, failing to establish continuous peace and security. This historical context contributes to the current apprehension towards external help and highlights in bold the necessity for a peace process revolving around Ukrainian agency.

Looking forward, it is clear that any effective resolution will most likely require a collaborative approach. Such an approach offers the option to embrace international support with a healthy amount of Ukrainian engagement, ensuring that the primary motivation for ending the conflict stems from within Ukraine itself. While external assistance can play a supportive role, the complexities of the path to peace signify just how vital Ukraine’s role in shaping its own future remains.