U.S. Envoy Meets Zelenskiy Amid Tensions Over Trump’s Criticism of Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Thursday.
According to Reuters, the meeting aimed to ease tensions after Trump called Zelenskiy a “dictator” and accused Ukraine of starting the war with Russia.
Zelenskiy had earlier criticized Trump for repeating Russian disinformation but later struck a calmer tone, saying cooperation with the U.S. must remain “constructive.”
Reuters reports that Trump, who has been in office for just a month, is pushing for a quick deal to end the war. However, his approach has worried European allies, as he has excluded them and Ukraine from initial talks with Russia.
Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, said on Thursday that he believes the conflict is nearing an end and that talking to Russia is essential to stop the war.
During the meeting, Zelenskiy and Kellogg exchanged warm greetings, but there was no immediate update on what they discussed. Reuters notes that Trump is also seeking to invest in Ukraine’s mineral resources, which are critical for the global energy transition. However, Ukraine rejected an earlier U.S. proposal because it lacked security guarantees.
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz urged Ukraine to “tone down” its criticism of the U.S. and agree to the minerals deal. “They need to take a hard look and sign that deal,” he told Fox News. Meanwhile, European leaders have responded to Trump’s shifting stance by promising to increase defense spending and considering a U.S.-backed peacekeeping force for Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for strong security guarantees to prevent Russia from taking more Ukrainian land.
Zelenskiy, in a video address, stressed the importance of unity among Ukrainians, Europe, and the U.S. “We are standing strong on our own two feet,” he said, adding that America’s success is tied to Ukraine’s. Reuters also revealed that the Trump administration might propose a simplified minerals deal first, with detailed terms negotiated later.
The war continues to devastate Ukraine, with Russian forces controlling about 20% of the country. Ukrainian officials warn that a ceasefire could give Russia time to regroup and launch further attacks. However, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence suggested a ceasefire might happen this year, though it may not last long.
Trump’s criticism of Zelenskiy as a “dictator” stems from Ukraine’s decision not to hold elections during the war. Martial law, declared after Russia’s invasion in 2022, prevents elections, and Zelenskiy’s mandate, which began in 2019, would have ended last May under normal circumstances.
Reuters highlights that while some opposition figures have rallied around Zelenskiy, others, like former President Petro Poroshenko, have remained silent, possibly due to recent government sanctions against him.
Ukrainian charity leader Serhii Prytula, a potential presidential candidate, reminded Ukrainians that only they can decide who leads their country. “Remember, here in Ukraine, only we determine who is a dictator and who is not,” he said.
This meeting between Kellogg and Zelenskiy comes at a critical time, as Ukraine seeks continued support from the U.S. and Europe.
Reuters emphasizes that while Trump’s push for a quick resolution may seem appealing, many Ukrainians fear it could compromise their security and sovereignty.
The world will be watching closely to see if this diplomatic effort can bridge the gap between the two allies.
Credit: Reuters