The next eight weeks will be the most challenging in Ukraine's history since 1991, according to Ambassador Melnyk.

The next eight weeks will be the most critical and challenging in Ukraine's history since 1991. This opinion was expressed by Ukraine's ambassador to Brazil, Andriy Melnyk. He stated that the newly elected U.S. president Donald Trump could change the situation, so it is now important to observe what happens before his inauguration.

He made these remarks in an interview with Radio Liberty. According to the diplomat, Trump's statements about being ready to end the Russian war against Ukraine within 24 hours should be taken seriously.

Trump, the ambassador says, will not share the "laurels of peacemaker" with China or Brazil, which are proposing their own "peace plans" regarding Ukraine. Therefore, all political, diplomatic, and social efforts of Ukraine must be focused on the "eight critical weeks" remaining before the inauguration, scheduled for January 20, 2025.

In particular, Kyiv's diplomacy should concentrate on Florida, where Trump spends most of his time. Melnyk noted that it would be the worst outcome for Ukraine if a decision "is imposed over our heads."

“When the inauguration day arrives, I fear a decision will already have been made by then, making it more difficult for us,” the ambassador to Brazil added.

Trump's Plans

U.S. president-elect Donald Trump aims to end the war in Ukraine. He even plans to appoint a special representative who will be responsible for organizing negotiations with Russia and overall stopping the war. It is currently unknown who will be confirmed for this position, but several names have already been mentioned in the media.

On November 13, the Ukrainian publication ZN.UA, citing sources, reported that the main candidate for the position of special envoy for Ukraine to conduct negotiations to end the war from Donald Trump is Brian Hook - a former special representative of the U.S. for Iran, who worked for two years in the Trump administration during his first term. An informant detailed what is known about him.

Meanwhile, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasizes the potential negative consequences for the country after Donald Trump returns to the White House. According to him, even if Trump attempts to suspend the war, it is unlikely to compel Russia to change its behavior, as Russian leader Vladimir Putin, in his view, perceives the situation as part of the struggle for his own historical legacy.