In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine would defend its right to exist and resist any external pressure. Zelenskyy’s five-year term was extended indefinitely due to martial law imposed after Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Russia has seized about 20% of Ukraine and continues to gain territory in the east. Moscow justifies its “special military operation” by claiming it is a defensive measure against NATO expansion. Ukraine and its allies view it as an unprovoked act of aggression.
During a meeting with Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, in Kyiv, Zelenskyy expressed his desire for Trump’s team to be better informed about Ukraine. He dismissed Trump’s claim that his approval rating was just 4% as Russian disinformation, stating that attempts to replace him would fail.
A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed that 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskyy. Trump’s recent actions have significantly shifted U.S. policy on Ukraine and Russia, including a phone call with Putin and talks between senior U.S. and Russian officials.
Following Trump’s remarks, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric affirmed that Zelenskyy was elected through legitimate elections, and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Trump’s labeling of Zelenskyy as dangerous and false.
European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have planned visits to Washington to discuss support for Ukraine. Starmer emphasized support for Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s democratically elected leader and justified the suspension of elections during wartime.
Trump mentioned a potential meeting with Putin, while Putin indicated that peace negotiations would depend on increased trust between Moscow and Washington. Recent talks between Russia and the U.S. in Riyadh, which excluded Ukraine and European governments, heightened concerns about a potential deal that could overlook their security interests.
Zelenskyy has proposed offering U.S. companies rights to extract valuable minerals in Ukraine in exchange for security guarantees. The U.S. has provided significant financial and military support to Ukraine, with Zelenskyy asserting that American demands for $500 billion in minerals are unreasonable.
As the conflict continues, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of unity and pragmatism from Europe and America, while discussing the need for security guarantees with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Meanwhile, the European Union agreed on a sixteenth package of sanctions against Russia and is considering increased military aid for Ukraine. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called for continued support for Ukraine, despite differing views within the EU on the way forward.
