For three years, the United States has been a prominent supporter of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. However, recent notable actions by President Trump indicate a shift in alignment towards Russia rather than Ukraine.
NPR reports that President Trump has publicly criticized Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, using especially harsh rhetoric. On social media, Trump described Zelenskyy as “a dictator without elections,” suggesting that Zelenskyy might not sustain Ukraine’s sovereignty. Trump also reached out to Russia, despite its previous isolation under the Biden administration. This included a direct call to Russian leader Vladimir Putin and meetings between senior Trump aides and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, notably excluding Ukraine. These actions appear to be part of Trump’s aggressive approach to achieving a ceasefire, placing significant public pressure on Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy has responded with calmness and diplomacy, expressing concern rather than anger. He noted that Trump seems to be influenced by Russian disinformation, repeating Kremlin narratives and accusing Ukraine of provoking the war, despite ongoing Russian attacks. Ukrainians, eager for the conflict to conclude, are reportedly stunned by Trump’s statements. Olena Tokovenko, a Ukrainian lawyer, remarked that Trump’s actions suggest ownership over Ukraine’s political direction, aligning with Russian policy.
The perception that the U.S. might be siding with Russia is profoundly unsettling for Ukrainians, who view Western democracy, led by the U.S., as crucial for their country’s survival.
While Trump criticizes Zelenskyy and echoes Kremlin sentiments, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s Ukraine envoy, is visiting Kyiv. However, Kellogg’s authority seems limited, highlighted when a scheduled press conference with Zelenskyy was canceled at the American side’s request.
Currently, U.S. military support for Ukraine persists, stemming from a substantial aid package approved by the previous administration. However, Trump indicates no intent to extend this aid, criticizing Zelenskyy’s ability to secure funding from the U.S. Without continued American support, Ukraine may face significant challenges, especially in maintaining air defense against ongoing Russian strikes.
Trump appears eager to initiate ceasefire negotiations swiftly. According to Andrew Weiss from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Trump desires a ceasefire but lacks interest in its specifics. Conversely, Russia also seeks a ceasefire but with expansive demands, including limitations on Ukraine’s military, reduced Western cooperation, and exclusion from NATO.
Ukraine, however, seeks robust security assurances to deter future Russian invasions. Zelenskyy is steadfast in pursuing NATO membership and reclaiming territory occupied by Russia, as well as holding Russia accountable for war crimes. With the current U.S. administration, the future of these demands remains uncertain.
This report concludes with thanks to NPR’s Joanna Kakissis in Kyiv and Greg Myre in Washington for their contributions.
