Ukraine Faces Uncertainty as U.S. Policy Shift Signals Potential Peace Talks

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — As Ukraine nears the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, a sudden shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump has thrown the country’s hopes for a lasting peace into disarray. Following a recent phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, allies in Kyiv and across Europe have expressed alarm over the implications for ongoing support.

U.S. support for Ukraine has been pivotal since Russia intensified its aggression in 2022, providing crucial military and financial assistance. However, Trump’s lengthy discussion with Putin — which aimed to initiate negotiations to address the conflict — has raised concerns that U.S. backing for Ukraine may be waning. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that excluding Ukraine from potential negotiations would lead to unfavorable outcomes for his nation.

In a tweet shortly after the call, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that Ukraine should reconsider its ambitions of reclaiming lost territory, further unsettling Kyiv’s leaders. “We cannot ignore the potential consequences of sidelining Ukraine,” Zelenskyy remarked during a press conference, emphasizing the importance of security guarantees for his country’s future.

At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders were taken aback by the U.S. officials’ messages, including Vice President JD Vance, who criticized European nations while delivering ambiguous signals regarding support for Ukraine. During a summit with Zelenskyy, Vance faced demands for security guarantees, which had not been adequately addressed in U.S.-led discussions. Zelenskyy opted to withhold consent for U.S. access to vital Ukrainian resources, which many viewed as a move to protect national interests.

French President Emmanuel Macron, among other leaders, took the opportunity to reaffirm support for Ukraine, announcing an emergency meeting to discuss the next steps in Europe’s strategic response to the conflict.

As the U.S. inner circle convened in Riyadh, discussions shifted towards improving diplomatic ties between Moscow and Washington while sidelining Ukrainian interests. When approached about the nature of the talks, officials emphasized that specific proposals were absent, yet the uncertainty loomed over Ukraine’s exclusion.

Trump’s tone further exacerbated tensions; during a radio interview, he implied that Ukraine bore responsibility for the ongoing war and dismissed Zelenskyy’s status as a leader. These comments prompted an immediate backlash, with Zelenskyy claiming the statements reflected “disinformation” crafted by Russian narratives.

Amid the escalating discord, special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, arrived in Kyiv to discuss policy directions with Zelenskyy and his administration. While expressing appreciation for Ukraine’s resilience, Kellogg acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that “engagement with all parties is vital.”

As Ukraine grapples with these developments, fears persist that a deal brokered between Washington and Moscow could force territorial concessions upon Ukraine, thereby risking future security and sovereignty.

The recent series of events underscores one of the most tumultuous phases of the ongoing conflict, as the war-weary populace remains vigilant against significant geopolitical shifts.