As the Russia-Ukraine war grinds into its fourth year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stands at a crossroads. The stakes could not be higher: Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, vast mineral wealth lies in enemy hands, and millions of lives have been uprooted. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House shifting U.S. policy toward a Russia-friendly stance, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to negotiate—potentially at the cost of its sovereignty. Yet, amidst this turmoil, there is a path forward. This blog offers Zelenskyy actionable suggestions to defend what remains of Ukraine, regain leverage in talks, and secure a future for his people.
The State of Play: A Nation Under Siege
The numbers paint a grim picture. As of March 2025, Russia controls key regions like Donbas and Crimea, having gained 2,656 square kilometers in 2024 alone—territory roughly the size of Luxembourg. Ukraine’s mineral wealth, once a cornerstone of its economy, has been decimated, with 40% of its resources, including lithium and rare earths worth $350 billion, now in occupied zones. The human toll is staggering over 12,000 civilians killed, 8 million refugees scattered across borders, and 6 million displaced within Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s leadership has been tested by dwindling ammunition, recruitment woes—over 100,000 desertions reported by late 2024—and a faltering front line. General Dmytro Marchenko’s stark warning last October that the front had “crumbled” echoes today. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin presses on, vowing to reclaim Kursk and bolstered by 620,000 troops on the ground.
Enter Donald Trump. Since taking office, Trump has suspended U.S. military aid, including critical intelligence and HIMARS systems, while pushing for a ceasefire that could force Ukraine to cede land. His proposed minerals deal—offering U.S. firms access to Ukraine’s resources—hints at a transactional approach that prioritizes American interests over Ukrainian sovereignty. Europe scrambles to fill the gap, offering peacekeepers, but Russia’s opposition complicates the picture.
How did Ukraine reach this point? Was it a miscalculation, or are unseen hands at play? More importantly, what can Zelenskyy do now to turn the tide?
Why Ukraine Stands Here: A Look Back
Ukraine’s fight began as a defense of its very existence. Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion left little choice but resistance. Yet, strategic missteps—like the costly 2023 counteroffensive against fortified Russian lines—exposed vulnerabilities. Over-reliance on Western aid, which wavered under Trump’s pivot, compounded the strain. Russia’s brutal tactics, from “human wave” assaults to infrastructure attacks like the Kakhovka Dam destruction, have exacted a punishing toll.
External influences loom large. The West, particularly Europe and the pre-Trump U.S., fueled Ukraine’s defiance with arms and funds. Now, Trump’s tilt toward Moscow—coupled with whispers of Chinese mediation—shifts the chessboard. Did Ukraine misjudge its endurance, or was it caught in a geopolitical vise? The answer matters less than the reality: Ukraine must adapt to survive.
Suggestions to Zelenskyy: A Blueprint for Resilience
Zelenskyy cannot rewind history, but he can shape the future. Here’s how Ukraine can defend itself, negotiate from strength, and salvage hope from the ashes.
1. Master the Art of Diplomacy
- Lean on Europe: With U.S. support in flux, deepen ties with France, Britain, and Poland. Their offers of peacekeeping troops could bolster Ukraine’s bargaining power and secure its borders.
- Turn Trump’s Deal to Ukraine’s Advantage: Accept the minerals proposal, but insist on a joint venture—say, 50% of proceeds funneled into a Ukrainian reconstruction fund. This keeps resources in Kyiv’s orbit, not just Washington’s.
- Secure Guarantees: Push for European-led security pacts, even if NATO remains off the table for now. A united front with Baltic states could deter future Russian incursions.
2. Negotiate with Eyes Wide Open
- Lock in a Ceasefire: A 30-day halt to hostilities, as floated in Jeddah talks, buys time and spares lives. Demand it includes a ban on missile and drone strikes—Russia’s terror weapons.
- Minimize Territorial Losses: If concessions are inevitable, prioritize keeping strategic ports like Odesa and industrial hubs. A demilitarized zone in disputed areas could preserve influence without full surrender.
- Bring in the World: Insist on UN or neutral monitors to enforce any deal. Russia may balk, but international pressure could force compliance.
3. Rebuild the Economy from the Ground Up
- Diversify Beyond Minerals: Pivot to tech and green energy—sectors where Ukraine has shown grit. The IT industry, thriving even in war, could be a lifeline.
- Launch a Reconstruction Fund: Use minerals deal proceeds and global donations to rebuild schools, homes, and roads. Show the world Ukraine is rising, not just surviving.
- Trade Westward: Strengthen EU trade ties to offset lost Russian markets, fueling growth and jobs.
4. Fortify the Military for Tomorrow
- Embrace Asymmetric Warfare: Drones and cyber defenses—proven by Ukraine’s Black Sea victories—offer bang for the buck. Double down here.
- Fix Recruitment: Address desertions with better training and morale boosts. A strong reserve is non-negotiable.
- Forge Regional Alliances: A defense pact with Poland and the Baltics could amplify Ukraine’s deterrence.
5. Rally the People
- Be Transparent: Zelenskyy’s X posts explaining peace plans resonate—keep it up. Honesty sustains trust.
- Inspire Unity: Honor the fallen and displaced in every speech. A united Ukraine is its greatest weapon.
A Vision Worth Fighting For
Imagine this: A Ukraine that halts the bleeding with a ceasefire, negotiates a deal keeping its economic heart intact, and rebuilds with European allies at its side. A Ukraine where drones buzz over rebuilt cities, not battlefields, and where minerals fuel progress, not war. It’s not a fantasy—it’s a possibility Zelenskyy can seize.
The road ahead is brutal. Russia’s grip tightens, Trump’s gambit looms, and Ukraine’s losses ache. Yet, history favors the resilient. Zelenskyy has led his nation through hell; now, he must steer it toward dawn. These suggestions—diplomacy with teeth, negotiation with cunning, and a vision of renewal—offer a way to save what remains and build anew.
Mr. President, the world watches. Ukraine’s spirit endures. Act boldly, and that spirit can still prevail.
