KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The American envoy to Ukraine and Russia expressed admiration for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following their recent discussions on the ongoing conflict with Russia. Retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who visited Kyiv for talks and a planned news conference, praised Zelenskyy as a resilient leader guiding his nation through war.
Kellogg’s positive remarks signaled a shift from previous criticisms of Zelenskyy by President Trump and other U.S. officials, suggesting a possible change in the tone of relations. Trump’s comments labeling Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and urging swift action to resolve the conflict contrasted with Kellogg’s supportive stance.
The uncertainty surrounding U.S. military assistance to Ukraine added to tensions as Ukrainian forces faced off against Russia’s superior military might. Amid concerns of strained transatlantic relations, European leaders rushed to reinforce Zelenskyy’s position and avoid potential breakdowns in diplomacy.
Polish President Andrzej Duda emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S., underscoring the need for American support in achieving peace. European officials, including EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, pledged solidarity with Ukraine through a new aid package as the conflict entered its third year.
Despite ongoing Russian aggression and escalating violence in eastern Ukraine, diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Russia signaled a potential shift in policy. As discussions on ending the conflict and improving relations advanced, the public dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy in the region.
The situation remained fluid as both sides navigated delicate negotiations while the conflict continued to impact civilians on the ground. Amidst these challenges, the resolve of leaders like Zelenskyy and the support of key allies stood as beacons of hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
During a White House briefing held on Thursday, it was mentioned that the U.S. president is notably feeling frustrated with Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy expressed his displeasure over a U.S. team commencing talks without extending an invitation to him or to the European governments that have been supporting Kyiv. In response to Trump’s baseless claim alleging Zelenskyy’s unpopularity in Ukraine and his false insinuation that Ukraine was responsible for the war, Zelenskyy remarked that Trump seemed to be enveloped in a realm of disinformation fabricated by Russia. This led Zelenskyy to imply that Trump might have been misled by Putin. Stay updated on the latest developments in the war in Ukraine by following AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
