Call to become "Churchill of our era" could positively influence Trump – diplomat

The Ukrainian side has realistic plans for working with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, balancing historical appeals with his pragmatic inclinations.

Estonian diplomat Harry Tiido made such an assumption in an interview with Ukrinform.

"Ukraine needs to consider Trump's personality. He is quite self-centered and views himself as the head of the Universe. This must be taken into account," Tiido said.

As a positive example of appealing to Trump, Tiido cited an article in the Wall Street Journal by Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The article suggested that regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, Trump has an opportunity to become the "Churchill of our era." Tiido emphasized: "The key point in Tsahkna's assertion is that Trump could be someone historic! Such a statement could influence him."

Tiido also highlighted Trump’s preference for economic and trade-related matters, suggesting Ukraine frame its narrative accordingly. For instance, explaining that Ukraine's eastern regions hold rare earth metals, including lithium essential for high-tech industries, could capture Trump’s attention. "Estimates value these resources at USD 12 to 16 trillion. A figure like 'trillion dollars' is something Trump understands well. It may be worth hinting that these trillions shouldn’t go to Russia and that the frontline should move further east," Tiido added.

Harry Tiido (born in 1953) is a renowned Estonian diplomat and political journalist. He had served as Estonia’s ambassador to NATO, Afghanistan, Poland, and Finland, and previously worked as an editor for the Estonian service of Voice of America and as editor-in-chief of Estonia’s Kuku Raadio.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that more contact is needed with Trump’s team.