Crypto Traders Bet on Zelenskyy’s Future After Trump Warns of Cutting U.S. Aid

Crypto traders on Polymarket, one of the largest prediction platforms, are betting heavily on the future of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. More than $400,000 has been wagered on whether he will leave office before July, with current odds suggesting a 26% chance of an early exit.

The surge in speculation follows a tense meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Trump, joined by Vice President JD Vance, signaled a hardline stance on Ukraine, accusing Zelenskyy of failing to show enough gratitude for American aid during the ongoing war with Russia.

Trump’s Ultimatum: “Make a Deal or We’re Out”

Trump’s comments during the meeting were blunt. "You see the hatred he’s got for Putin," he said, implying that Zelenskyy’s strong stance against Russia could make diplomatic solutions harder to achieve.

“You don’t have the cards right now,” Trump continued. “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out, and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”

This statement has raised concerns about the future of U.S. military and financial assistance to Ukraine. Without ongoing support, Ukraine could face severe challenges in sustaining its defense against Russia.

Crypto Traders Betting on War and Politics

Beyond the bets on Zelenskyy’s fate, Polymarket users have also placed over $21 million in wagers on whether Trump will bring an end to the war within his first three months in office. So far, the odds suggest only a 23% likelihood that he will succeed in doing so.

Following the high-profile meeting, some traders expressed frustration over Zelenskyy’s approach. One Polymarket user commented, “[Zelenskyy] should’ve thanked the American people. How hard can it be to show some gratitude?”

Prediction Markets vs. Traditional Polling

Polymarket has built a reputation for accurately predicting political events. The platform previously hosted bets on whether Joe Biden would withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, which it correctly anticipated.

Experts argue that prediction markets often provide better insights than traditional polls because participants have financial incentives to research and make informed bets. "Prediction markets give people a reason to conduct thorough analysis before placing wagers," said Brian Trunzo, a former executive at Polygon Labs.

Ukraine Eyes Crypto Tax to Offset Economic Struggles

With the possibility of reduced U.S. aid, Ukraine is exploring alternative funding sources. One proposed solution is a new crypto tax of up to 10%, which could help stabilize the country’s war-torn economy.

As uncertainty looms over Ukraine’s leadership and military support, crypto traders continue to watch closely—turning global conflicts and political power plays into high-stakes financial wagers.

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