Trump and Zelenskyy Clash Over Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

LONDON — Tensions flared Thursday between U.S. officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a contentious exchange regarding peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s prolonged invasion of Ukraine. This back-and-forth escalated after a meeting began in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine’s involvement, prompting an outcry from Kyiv and its allies.

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz urged Ukrainian officials to “tone it down” in response to their criticism of the U.S. after Zelenskyy rejected a proposed minerals agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vast natural resources, a deal the Biden administration argues is crucial for ongoing American support.

“There’s obviously a lot of frustration here,” Waltz said in an interview with Fox News. He stressed that signing the minerals deal would provide Ukraine with a far greater security guarantee than military aid. “We presented the Ukrainians really an incredible and historic opportunity to have the United States co-invest with Ukraine… in a way that’s sustainable,” he added.

The discord emerged after President Donald Trump accused Zelenskyy of being a “dictator without elections,” and criticized European leaders for failing to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Trump claimed that Zelenskyy’s public approval ratings were dropping, a statement he made without substantiating evidence.

Zelenskyy fired back, suggesting Trump was misinformed and trapped in a “disinformation space.” He attributed some of Trump’s recent comments to Russian propaganda efforts targeting Ukraine.

Vice President JD Vance weighed in, calling Zelenskyy’s handling of his relationship with the Trump administration “atrocious.” Meanwhile, in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned recent Ukrainian statements about foreign dignitaries as “unacceptable and impermissible,” indicating a further souring of diplomatic ties.

As this diplomatic spat unfolded, Ukraine faced intensified Russian aggression, with the country’s air force reporting the launch of 14 missiles and 161 drones by Russian forces overnight, targeting critical infrastructure. Ukrainian officials stated they successfully intercepted 80 of the drones, but the barrage continues to pose a significant threat.

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko condemned the strikes, asserting they were part of Russia’s strategy to undermine Ukraine’s energy sector. “Such actions of the enemy prove only once again that Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians,” he said, branding the military attacks as “outright terrorism.”

Despite the rising tensions, Zelenskyy maintained a hopeful tone during a meeting with Trump’s envoy Keith Kellogg, emphasizing Ukraine’s desire for peace. Following their discussion, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for American support amidst continued Russian hostilities.

As the conflict’s anniversary approaches, Zelenskyy reflected on the significance of the Maidan Revolution, asserting that the fight against Russian aggression is as crucial now as it was during the protests against former President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014. “It’s very important to support those who defend freedom,” he said.

As negotiations continue amid this charged atmosphere, the U.S. and Ukraine are navigating a precarious path toward a potential resolution.