Ukraine has initiated a new strategy to encourage former President Donald Trump to exert greater pressure on Russia for a peace agreement. This effort involves nominating Trump for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. In a briefing with reporters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy suggested that if Trump could facilitate a ceasefire benefiting Ukraine, he would merit the nomination. This announcement came just two days before the Nobel Prize winner for the current year is set to be revealed.
Zelenskiy remarked, “If Trump gives the world – above all, the Ukrainian people – the chance for such a ceasefire, then yes, he should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.” He emphasized Ukraine’s intention to formally nominate Trump. This move reflects Zelenskiy’s ongoing efforts to secure Trump’s backing, especially as Ukraine seeks advanced military support, including Tomahawk missiles, which Kyiv believes could significantly challenge Russia’s military stance.
Trump has previously expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has indicated a willingness to provide military assistance to Ukraine. He has claimed that his administration has been instrumental in brokering several peace agreements globally, including a controversial assertion of having facilitated a truce between India and Pakistan, which was subsequently denied by Indian officials.
In a separate but related development, a ceasefire and hostage arrangement between Israel and Palestine was announced under a framework initiated by Trump, garnering international attention. The recent moves by Ukraine to nominate Trump align with a broader political strategy. Last week, a group of Ukrainian members of parliament formally proposed the nomination, arguing that it demonstrates loyalty to a key ally. Lawmaker Anna Skorokhod commented, “If we can’t show today that Ukraine and the Ukrainian parliament absolutely and totally support Donald Trump and his peace plans, then what can we talk about?”
Nominations for the Nobel Prizes close on January 31 each year, with committee members allowed to submit their nominations by early February. This timeline places additional urgency on Ukraine’s lobbying efforts.
Ukraine is not alone in its charm offensive. On the same day as Zelenskiy’s remarks, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te endorsed the idea of nominating Trump, stating that he deserves recognition if he can persuade China to refrain from using force against Taiwan.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its complicated geopolitical landscape, the nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize represents a significant intersection of diplomacy, military strategy, and international relations. The outcome of these lobbying efforts remains to be seen, but the stakes are high as Ukraine seeks to solidify its support from the United States.
