### Zelensky Seeks Direct Collaboration with Trump Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his desire for direct communication with US President-elect Donald Trump, signaling Kyiv's intention to maintain its strategic alliance amidst increasing Russian offensives. In a recent Sky News interview, Zelensky emphasized the importance of working closely with Trump, while voicing concerns over potential interference from Trump's associates in their dialogues.

Zelensky underscored the critical role of the United States, the largest contributor of military aid to Ukraine, which has pledged $64.1 billion to support Ukraine since the escalation of conflict in February 2022. Aware of the vital need for continuous US support, he conveyed his wish to exchange ideas directly with Trump to strengthen Ukraine's position.

Reflecting on his "warm, good, constructive" conversations with Trump during a September visit to New York, Zelensky described these discussions as an essential preliminary step. However, he acknowledged the necessity of more comprehensive talks to develop a robust plan for Ukraine's strength. Furthering this goal, Zelensky highlighted that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, would soon visit the US for further meetings, including discussions with Keith Kellogg, Trump's nominee for special envoy to Ukraine.

Despite Kellogg’s advocacy for a ceasefire and negotiations with security guarantees for Ukraine, Zelensky voiced skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to cease hostilities, asserting that Putin was not ready to negotiate. Zelensky also expressed a hope for Trump's success and for the US to play a pivotal role in ending the ongoing conflict.

Considering Trump's statements that the war would not have commenced under his leadership and his repeated vows to end it quickly, Zelensky’s comments come amidst further escalations. Recent Russian missile strikes have left over a million Ukrainian households without power, and Putin has issued new threats while complimenting Trump as an "intelligent and experienced" politician.

During the interview, Zelensky called for enhanced military support from US and European allies, emphasizing the urgent need for more equipped brigades and fighter jets to counter Russia's rapid advances in the eastern front. He also addressed calls from US officials to lower Ukraine's minimum conscription age from 25 to 18 to alleviate manpower shortages, urging partners to contribute more.

Discussing hypothetical scenarios to end the war, Zelensky reiterated that ceding territory to Russia in exchange for NATO membership would defy Ukraine’s constitution, as invitations for NATO admission must honor Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. While reaffirming his longstanding call for Ukraine's unconditional NATO accession, he acknowledged the improbability of such an event before the conflict concludes. Zelensky somberly admitted his concern about potentially losing the war and Ukraine's independence, stating, "If we will be alone, we will lose."