KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused U.S. President Donald Trump of residing in a “disinformation space” created by Russia, a remark that could further strain relations with Washington. This comes as Trump pushes for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his desire to meet with Trump following talks between senior American and Russian officials aimed at arranging a summit.
Zelenskyy, responding to Trump’s claims that Kyiv is responsible for the war, stressed the need for the U.S. administration to be more truthful. Trump had suggested that Ukraine, which marks the fourth year of its conflict with Russia next week, could have avoided the war by striking a deal.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, with Putin justifying the move as necessary to protect civilians and prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. The international community condemned it as an unprovoked aggression.
The exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy marks a significant shift in U.S.-Ukrainian relations, which had strengthened under Trump’s predecessor with the U.S. providing military aid and political support to Ukraine. The Trump administration, however, has started a new approach, seeking improved relations with Russia and a peace deal. Senior officials from both nations met recently to discuss these objectives and potentially arrange a Trump-Putin meeting.
Putin expressed his willingness to meet Trump, acknowledging that the Ukrainian settlement might take longer than initially hoped. Zelenskyy’s comments preceded a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, as part of recent diplomatic efforts.
Ukraine and its European allies voiced concerns about being excluded from the U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, fearing a deal unfavorable to Kyiv. Trump, showing little patience for Ukraine’s objections, claimed Zelenskyy’s approval rating was low and criticized Ukraine for not preventing the war.
Zelenskyy countered by accusing Trump of believing Russian disinformation and suggested that Kellogg should gauge the Ukrainian public’s trust in their president, Putin, and Trump.
Russian state media welcomed Trump’s stance, highlighting his apparent irritation with Zelenskyy. Trump also urged Ukraine to hold elections, postponed due to the war and martial law, and challenged the notion that most of Ukraine’s aid comes from the U.S., noting significant domestic production and European support.
The battlefield situation remains dire for Ukraine, with Russian forces making incremental advances along the front line. American officials have indicated that Ukraine’s aspirations of NATO membership might not materialize soon, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the need for U.S. security guarantees in any peace deal.
Kellogg, upon arriving in Kyiv, underscored the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, stating his mission to listen and report back to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure a well-informed approach.
