Kyiv/Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy for the Ukraine conflict met with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Thursday, but there was no immediate indication that the discussions had helped mend the wartime rift between the two nations. Key U.S. officials signaled that significant frustrations persist despite diplomatic efforts.
Zelenskiy had earlier adopted a conciliatory tone after previously accusing Trump of echoing Russian disinformation. This followed Trump’s claim that Ukraine initiated the ongoing three-year war with Russia and his characterization of Zelenskiy as a “dictator” who needed to act swiftly or risk losing his country.
Trump, just a month into office, has pushed for a swift resolution to the conflict, raising concerns among Washington’s European allies by engaging in initial talks with Russia while excluding Ukraine. Vice President JD Vance stated on Thursday that an end to the war was approaching and that negotiations with Russia were necessary. Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz criticized Zelenskiy’s remarks, asserting that the Ukrainian leader must return to the negotiating table and reconsider a previously proposed deal allowing U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources.
US President Donald Trump's envoy for the Ukraine conflict met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv but there was no immediate word on whether their talks had helped smooth over an unprecedented wartime rift between the once firm allies https://t.co/vaRYkFUyaw pic.twitter.com/IHkLDFW3ne
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 21, 2025
High-Stakes Diplomacy in Kyiv
Trump’s Ukraine and Russia envoy, Keith Kellogg, arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday, emphasizing that his visit was intended for listening and dialogue. Following their meeting, Zelenskiy posted on X that their discussions were “detailed and productive”, covering topics such as prisoners of war, security guarantees in any peace agreement, and battlefield developments.
A day of intense international work. My meeting with General Kellogg was one that restores hope, and we need strong agreements with the U.S.—agreements that will truly work. I have instructed my team to work quickly and very sensibly.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 20, 2025
Economy and security must always go hand in… pic.twitter.com/N5k2bu13qk
However, additional details remained scarce, and a planned joint press conference was canceled at the request of U.S. officials, according to Zelenskiy’s office.
Trump is seeking to reset relations with Russia while simultaneously exploring investment opportunities in Ukraine’s mineral resources, which are crucial for the global energy transition. Ukraine previously rejected a U.S. proposal that lacked sufficient security guarantees. Reuters reported on Wednesday that the Trump administration was considering a revised, streamlined minerals agreement, though Zelenskiy made no mention of it in his public statements.
European Response and Security Concerns
Trump’s approach to Ukraine has prompted European leaders to pledge increased defense spending. Some nations are exploring a U.S.-backed European peacekeeping force for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, stated that he would urge the U.S. president not to show weakness toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“How can you be credible with China if you’re weak with Putin?” Macron asked during an online Q&A session.
Waltz, for his part, expressed U.S. support for European-led security guarantees for Ukraine, advocating that all NATO members should meet the alliance’s 2% GDP defense spending target ahead of the next summit in June.
The Kremlin has labeled the European security plan a major concern, while NATO and Zelenskiy have welcomed the initiative.
“It is vital that … Russia will never again try to take one more square kilometer of Ukrainian land,” said NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Ceasefire Uncertainty Amid Ongoing Conflict
Russian forces continue to devastate Ukrainian cities and maintain control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. While some Ukrainian officials warn that a ceasefire would merely provide Moscow with an opportunity to regroup for future offensives, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency suggested on Thursday that a ceasefire could be reached this year, though he expressed skepticism over its longevity.
Ukraine’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Trump’s assertion that Zelenskiy is a “dictator” stems from Ukraine’s inability to hold elections under martial law, which was declared after Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The emergency measures prohibit elections, and while Zelenskiy’s term would have ended in May 2024 under normal circumstances, no new vote has taken place.
Trump’s remarks have divided Ukraine’s opposition. Some figures, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, defended Zelenskiy’s legitimacy, stating that elections are “impossible and immoral” during wartime, as military personnel would be unable to participate.
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Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former army chief and current ambassador to London, echoed the sentiment that winning the war must take precedence over elections.
Conversely, former President Petro Poroshenko—whose relationship with Zelenskiy remains strained—has refrained from commenting on Trump’s election remarks. This follows the Ukrainian government’s recent sanctions against Poroshenko, a move he denounced as detrimental to national unity.
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Iryna Herashchenko, a lawmaker from Poroshenko’s party, has advocated for a government of national unity while accusing Zelenskiy of engaging in “political repression.”
Meanwhile, Serhii Prytula, a well-known humanitarian and potential presidential contender, took a more lighthearted approach. Writing on X, he advised Ukrainians not to dwell on Trump’s comments, stating, “Remember that here in Ukraine, only we—the people of Ukraine—determine who is a dictator and who is not.”
