Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of unity both at home and across Europe, while expressing hope for pragmatism from the United States. This conciliatory message follows a surprising public rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Zelenskiy as a “dictator without elections” and urged him to act swiftly to secure peace or risk losing his country.
Such rhetoric marks a stark departure from the traditionally supportive stance of the U.S. towards Ukraine, especially since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago. Trump’s comments have raised eyebrows among European leaders, who have long viewed the United States as a crucial ally in the fight against Russian aggression.
The U.S. president is advocating for a rapid resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a position that has unsettled Washington’s European allies. Concerns have been voiced regarding Trump’s exclusion of both European leaders and Ukraine from preliminary discussions with Russia, coupled with his tendency to place blame on Ukraine for the February 2022 invasion.
In response, European leaders are ramping up defense spending and exploring the possibility of a U.S.-backed European peacekeeping force for Ukraine—a plan that has drawn criticism from the Kremlin but received Zelenskiy’s endorsement. “We are standing strong on our own two feet. I am counting on Ukrainian unity, our courage, the unity of Europe, and the pragmatism of America,” Zelenskiy stated in a video address on Wednesday evening. He highlighted that “America needs success just as much as we do.”
Zelenskiy confirmed upcoming discussions with U.S. envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue with Washington. Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly interested in re-establishing ties with Russia while also seeking to harness Ukraine’s mineral resources, which are vital for the global energy transition. However, Ukraine rejected an initial U.S. proposal that lacked security guarantees, prompting Zelenskiy to accuse Trump of echoing Russian disinformation regarding the conflict.
White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz advised Ukraine to temper its criticism of the U.S. and consider a minerals deal. “They need to tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal,” he remarked during an interview with Fox News. Reports suggest that the Trump administration may pursue a simplified minerals agreement before negotiating more detailed terms.
A Wake-Up Call for Europe
European leaders are grappling with the implications of this apparent shift in U.S. policy towards Russia and Ukraine. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that recent developments necessitate a reevaluation of their approach. “This different view of things from the United States now obliges us not only to face the truth but to move at a very high speed,” he remarked after discussions with other European and Canadian leaders.
As Russian forces continue to devastate Ukrainian cities and advance along the extensive eastern and southern front lines, the prospect of a ceasefire remains contentious. Ukrainian officials argue that a ceasefire would merely provide Russia with an opportunity to regroup for further aggression. However, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency hinted at the possibility of a ceasefire later this year while expressing skepticism about its longevity.
Upon his arrival in Kyiv, Kellogg reiterated his intent to listen to Ukrainian concerns. Zelenskiy echoed a message of collaboration, stating, “Together with America and Europe, peace can be more secure, and this is our goal. Success brings us together. Our unity is the strongest safeguard of our future—a future without (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, but with peace.”
Domestic Reactions
Central to Trump’s criticism of Zelenskiy is the assertion that Ukraine has not held elections due to the martial law imposed after Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. This law grants authorities emergency powers but prohibits elections. Zelenskiy’s mandate, which began in 2019, would have typically concluded last May.
Trump’s comments have prompted varying responses from Ukraine’s opposition figures. Ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko defended Zelenskiy, asserting that he remains the legitimate leader until new elections can be held. She emphasized that only Ukrainians should determine the conditions for changing their government during wartime.
Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s ambassador to London and former army chief, echoed this sentiment, prioritizing victory over electoral processes. Notably, Petro Poroshenko, the former president and a prominent opposition figure, has remained largely silent following Trump’s remarks, raising questions about his stance amid recent sanctions imposed by the government.
Iryna Herashchenko, a lawmaker from Poroshenko’s party, has called for a government of national unity and criticized what she described as political repression against dissenters. Meanwhile, Serhii Prytula, a charitable leader and potential presidential candidate, advised Ukrainians to focus on their own definition of leadership rather than external opinions, stating, “Remember that here in Ukraine, only we—the people of Ukraine—determine who is a dictator and who is not.”
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the interplay between Ukraine, the United States, and Europe remains critical to the future of the region and its quest for peace and stability.
