Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky warned US officials not to side with Russia during escalating tensions with President Donald Trump. The warning came as Zelensky spoke to US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, amid a public spat with Trump. Trump accused Zelensky of not wanting to end the war, calling Ukraine’s situation “a shambles.”
Zelensky emphasized the importance of American support, stating that much depends on the US stance in Europe’s worst conflict since World War II. The conversation occurred as both Russia and Ukraine targeted each other’s energy infrastructure, leaving thousands without power. Kyiv also launched its largest drone attack on St. Petersburg, a move that defied Trump’s diplomatic stance.
Trump, meanwhile, claimed he was negotiating a peace deal with Russia and Ukraine to prevent Moscow from aiding Iran. His comments came after a commercial vessel exploded in the Strait of Hormuz, an incident attributed to a sea mine strike by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard navy. The US president also paused sanctions against Russia, signaling a shift in policy.
The diplomatic rift between Washington and Kyiv has deepened, with Trump’s recent actions and statements undermining confidence in US support. Analysts suggest the pause on sanctions could weaken Ukraine’s position in the ongoing conflict. As tensions rise, the outcome of these diplomatic maneuvers could significantly impact the war’s trajectory.
