KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A scheduled news conference following discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine was unexpectedly called off on Thursday, highlighting escalating political tensions between the two nations regarding the resolution of the nearly three-year conflict with Russia.
Originally intended to feature statements to the press from Zelenskyy and retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, the event was transformed last minute into a brief photo opportunity where the two posed for photographers without delivering anticipated remarks or engaging in a Q&A session. Ukrainian presidential spokesman Serhii Nikiforov mentioned that the change was at the request of the U.S. delegation.
Kellogg’s visit to Kyiv coincided with recent discord between Trump and Zelenskyy, straining their personal rapport and raising uncertainties about U.S. support for Ukraine’s military endeavors. Journalists gathered at Ukraine’s presidential office in Kyiv for the expected press conference with Zelenskyy and Kellogg. However, as the meeting commenced, the media was informed that no statements or questions would be entertained, with Nikiforov citing compliance with U.S. wishes as the rationale for the sudden alteration.
The U.S. delegation refrained from immediate comment, and inquiries to the White House regarding the cancellation of the news conference remained unanswered. The planned discussions were meant to focus on Trump’s initiatives to resolve the conflict. Zelenskyy, eager to update Kellogg on the Ukrainian situation, expressed optimism about the meeting.
In a Telegram post, Zelenskyy described the conversation with Kellogg as productive, emphasizing discussions on security commitments for Ukraine and the repatriation of Ukrainian detainees held in Russia. He stressed the importance of securing enduring peace to prevent future conflict and underscored Ukraine’s readiness to establish a meaningful partnership with the U.S. encompassing investment and security agreements.
Zelenskyy and Trump have engaged in a war of words in recent days, spurred by U.S.-Russia talks to end the conflict in Ukraine and enhance bilateral relations, a shift in U.S. policy isolating Russia. Zelenskyy criticized the U.S. team for initiating discussions without including him or European allies supporting Ukraine, and disputed Trump’s assertions regarding his popularity in Ukraine.
The friction intensified as Trump accused Zelenskyy of authoritarianism and blamed Ukraine for the conflict, prompting a response from the Ukrainian president characterizing Trump’s views as influenced by Russian disinformation. Despite the disagreements, Zelenskyy maintains a relatively high level of public confidence, as indicated by a recent report by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.
Trump’s claims and accusations have further complicated the diplomatic landscape, with tensions escalating between the two leaders amidst efforts to navigate the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine under the false pretext of protecting Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and preventing the country from joining NATO. In response, former U.S. President Trump warned Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to act swiftly in negotiating an end to the conflict, or risk losing the nation altogether. European leaders rallied behind Zelenskyy, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticizing any attempts to undermine the Ukrainian leader’s legitimacy. Scholz emphasized Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, highlighting the need for continued support. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed solidarity with Zelenskyy, acknowledging the challenges posed by wartime conditions. In contrast, Russian officials praised Trump’s position and criticized Zelenskyy’s rhetoric towards Putin. Amidst the diplomatic tensions, Ukrainian civilians faced relentless Russian attacks, including drone strikes and missile bombardments. Tragic incidents, such as a bomb hitting an apartment building in Kherson and a drone attack in Odesa, have resulted in casualties and widespread disruption. As the conflict intensifies, the plight of Ukrainian civilians remains a pressing concern, with the international community closely monitoring the situation. Stay updated on the latest developments in the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
