**Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Casts Doubt on Rapid End to Russia-Ukraine War Under Trump**

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed skepticism about Trump's ability to swiftly end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During an appearance on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS" on Sunday, Kuleba stated, "I do not expect any quick ending of the war."

Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump asserted that he could resolve the war on his first day in office. However, he has not provided specific details on how he intends to achieve such a rapid resolution. Kuleba, who served as Ukraine's foreign minister under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from March 2020 until stepping down in September, emphasized that several key factors make an expedited peace deal unlikely.

"First: Zelenskyy will not leave under pressure," Kuleba explained. "Second, Ukraine will not agree to any quick solution. And third, most importantly, the key to peace lies in Moscow, not in Kyiv."

When asked by Zakaria about concerns that the incoming Trump administration might push Ukraine to accept a peace plan involving the cession of territory currently occupied by Russian forces, Kuleba clarified Ukraine's position. Approximately a fifth of Ukraine is under Russian control, and Kuleba stressed the importance of starting the conversation by holding Russia accountable.

"With utmost respect, we should not start the conversation with what Ukraine is ready to accept. We should put full responsibility on the side that launched this war," Kuleba insisted.

The conflict has recently intensified, with North Korean soldiers joining Russian forces in combat. In response, President Joe Biden has approved the usage of long-range American missiles against Russian targets, and Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the deployment of new ballistic missiles against Ukraine.

Discussing the escalating violence and the introduction of more lethal weaponry by Russia, Zakaria inquired whether these developments have alarmed the Ukrainian populace. Kuleba acknowledged the heightened anxiety among Ukrainians, stating, "I will not conceal that people in Ukraine are nervous about this latest strike and the announcements by Putin that other strikes with intercontinental missiles will follow."

Kuleba's comments highlight the complexities of the conflict and the challenges any administration will face in seeking to broker a peace deal.