In an interview with the Financial Times, Ukrainian President Zelensky laid out three possible trajectories for the war in Ukraine once the United States holds its presidential election. He indicated that Kyiv has identified three distinct routes the conflict could take after the election, reflecting careful planning to account for different political outcomes in Washington.
Zelensky explained that Kyiv sees three options after November 5, underscoring the importance of allied support while acknowledging that partners would weigh risk as they decide how to proceed. He noted that the White House race would influence which of the two other paths would gain momentum, while the first path would involve expanding support from Western partners.
The first option would bring stronger backing from Western allies, with the caveat that supporters remain mindful of risks such as potential escalation, political fatigue, and shifts in strategic calculations. Kyiv expects that greater assistance would be paired with careful risk assessment and ongoing dialogue to align expectations with capabilities on the ground.
The second and third options depend on which candidate wins the White House and how allied capitals calibrate their policies toward Kyiv. One path could see a measured expansion of security and economic aid, tied to concrete milestones and transparent accountability to ensure the resilience of both military and civilian efforts. The other path might emphasize political protection while seeking flexibility in the style and tempo of aid, reflecting domestic debates in the United States while maintaining steady support for Ukraine’s security and reform agenda.
A final trajectory could push Ukraine toward greater resilience and self-sufficiency, sustaining political backing while gradually reducing dependence on large volumes of direct foreign assistance. In this scenario, Kyiv would still pursue strategic partnerships and continued diplomatic engagement, but with a shift toward building internal capacity and ensuring durable stability.
In all scenarios Kyiv would continue to coordinate with Washington and partner capitals to preserve continuity of aid, synchronize diplomacy, and safeguard sovereignty. The Financial Times report notes that Zelensky spoke during a period of ongoing discussion in the United States about security packages, fiscal constraints, and the durability of international commitments. The Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of predictability in support and the need for unity among partners to deter aggression and to sustain humanitarian efforts.
As the situation evolves, Kyiv remains engaged with European partners and other allies, aligning on shared goals while preparing for multiple possible outcomes. Updates will follow as new information emerges.