People’s Deputy Oleksandr Merezhko nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

People’s Deputy Oleksandr Merezhko nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of parliament from President Zelenskyy’s party "Servant of the People," has nominated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, according to his letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which was reviewed by Kyiv Independent.

This move by Merezhko contradicts the statements of many public opinion leaders in Ukraine, who have criticized Trump for his ties with Putin and questioned the future U.S. aid to Ukraine. Trump has also promised to pursue a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, and there are speculations that he might pressure Kyiv to cede occupied territories to Russia or agree to Putin’s terms.

However, some Ukrainian politicians and analysts argue that Trump can be swayed to support Ukraine and convinced to reach a peace agreement that benefits Ukraine.

"I am convinced that Trump has made a significant contribution to peace around the world and that he can do even more in the future," wrote Merezhko, an MP and head of the Ukrainian parliament’s foreign affairs committee.

The legislator mentioned Trump’s mediation in deals between Israel and Muslim countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan, during his first presidential term.

"Trump also laid the groundwork for today’s international coalition supporting Ukraine by demonstrating global leadership in supplying weapons to counter Russia’s brutal and illegal aggressive war," said Merezhko, apparently referring to Trump’s decision to provide Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles during his first term.

Answering Kyiv Independent’s question about the motivation for his nomination, the deputy said he wants to use it "as an opportunity to draw Trump’s attention so that he can help Ukraine endure."

Merezhko expressed hope that "in his attempts to stop Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, (Trump) will seek solutions based on international law, including principles such as territorial integrity, respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, and non-use of force."

In his nomination letter, Merezhko noted that Trump could help Ukraine achieve "a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace based on the UN Charter and the principles of international law."

During his election campaign, Trump promised to end Russia’s war with Ukraine if elected, stating in September that he would negotiate a deal "that will be good for both sides."