IRIA News

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv, amid the war of words between the two leaders and escalating tensions between the two allies, triggered by Trump’s recent remarks accusing Ukraine of starting the war and referring to Zelenskyy as a “dictator.”

Zelenskyy and Kellogg exchanged polite greetings during the meeting on February 20, 2025, but there was no immediate report of any breakthroughs. As the war with Russia enters its third year, Ukraine is grappling with both external aggression and diplomatic turbulence with its key Western ally.

A planned news conference following talks between Zelenskyy and Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg was canceled without explanation amid rising political tensions between the two countries over how to end the war with Russia.

In a social media post, Zelenskyy said the meeting with Kellogg was a “good discussion, many important details.” He said they discussed security guarantees for Ukraine and the return of Ukrainian prisoners from Russian custody. “We can and must make peace is strong and lasting—so that Russia can never return with war again,” he wrote. “Ukraine is ready for a strong, effective investment and security agreement with the President of the United States.”

I had a productive meeting with @SPE_Kellogg—a good discussion, many important details. I am grateful to the United States for all the assistance and bipartisan support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

It’s important for us—and for the entire free world—that American… pic.twitter.com/LH2vNGVGFQ

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 20, 2025

Kellogg’s visit coincided with deteriorating relations between Trump and Zelenskyy, casting doubt on future U.S. support for Ukraine.

White House criticizes Zelenskyy’s resistance to peace talks

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz discussed the growing frustration with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s actions, which he believes are hindering progress toward ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Waltz emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by America. “There needs to be a deep appreciation for what the American people and the American taxpayer, what President Trump did in his first term and what we’ve done since,” Waltz said. “There’s some of the rhetoric coming out of Kyiv, frankly, and insults to President Trump (that) were unacceptable.”

Waltz highlighted that Trump was upset by Zelenskyy’s rejection of a proposal from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which would have granted the U.S. access to Ukrainian minerals in exchange for support. On Wednesday, Trump warned Zelenskyy to act swiftly in negotiating peace, or risk losing the nation’s leadership.

Good to be back in Ukraine. We have a lot of work to do to bring an end to this brutal war, but the United State is committed to doing the difficult work to help forge a sustainable peace. Useful conversations today with officials like @AndriyYermak — with more to come tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/V4mgsJvnmd

— Gen. Keith Kellogg (@SPE_Kellogg) February 20, 2025

Trump’s controversial stance on Ukraine

Trump, who has been in office for just a month, has taken a starkly different approach to Ukraine compared to his predecessor. His administration has prioritized a swift resolution to the conflict, engaging in direct talks with Russia while initially sidelining both Ukraine and European allies. This has sparked concerns in Kyiv and across Europe.

Earlier this week, Trump’s accusation that Ukraine was responsible for the war and his labeling of Zelenskyy as a “dictator” drew sharp reactions. In response, Zelenskyy initially criticized the remarks but later adopted a more conciliatory tone. Addressing Ukrainians on Wednesday, he emphasized the need for constructive cooperation with Washington.

“We are standing strong on our own two feet. I am counting on Ukrainian unity, our courage … on the unity of Europe and the pragmatism of America,” Zelenskyy said in a video address. “Because America needs success just as much as we do.”

Push for a quick peace deal

Trump’s administration is keen on brokering a deal to end the war swiftly, with Vice President JD Vance stating that peace is within reach but cannot be achieved without direct negotiations with Russia. However, Kyiv remains cautious, fearing that any premature ceasefire would merely give Moscow time to regroup and launch further offensives.

Meanwhile, Trump’s White House is also focused on securing access to Ukraine’s rich reserves of minerals critical to the global energy transition. A proposed U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal has faced resistance from Kyiv, mainly because it lacks firm security guarantees.

White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz suggested that Ukraine should reconsider its stance. “They need to tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal,” Waltz told Fox News. Waltz insisted that Trump is the best person to negotiate with Putin, despite concerns the US will force Ukraine into concessions after beginning talks this week with Russia without Ukraine or Europe.

European security concerns

Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine has prompted European leaders to reassess their defense policies. Some European nations are considering the formation of a U.S.-backed peacekeeping force for Ukraine, a move welcomed by NATO and met with skepticism by the Kremlin.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed the importance of long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. “It is vital that Russia will never again try to take one more square kilometer of Ukrainian land,” he said during a press conference in Bratislava.

Despite international diplomatic maneuvering, the situation on the ground remains dire. Russian forces continue to advance along parts of the 1,000-km front line, and Moscow now controls about one-fifth of Ukraine.

The security concerns will be directly addressed as French President Emmanuel Macron is due to visit Washington on Monday. He will be followed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Ukraine’s martial law and political division

At the heart of Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy is Ukraine’s martial law, which has prevented elections since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Under normal circumstances, Zelenskyy’s term would have ended last May, but martial law grants emergency powers to the government and postpones elections.

Trump’s remarks about Zelenskyy being a “dictator without elections” have sparked varied responses among Ukraine’s political opposition. Zelenskyy countered that Trump was repeating misinformation about him and the war.

Some politicians, including former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, have rallied behind Zelenskyy, defending the decision to delay elections. “Only Ukrainians have the right to decide when and under what conditions they should change their government. Today, there are no such conditions!” Tymoshenko wrote on Facebook.

Others have remained silent or taken a more critical stance. Former President Petro Poroshenko, who has long had a contentious relationship with Zelenskyy, has not directly addressed Trump’s remarks. His silence follows a government decision to impose sanctions on him last week, a move he called a threat to national unity.

Iryna Herashchenko, a lawmaker from Poroshenko’s party, has criticized Zelenskyy for what she describes as political suppression of opponents. “Political repression against those he does not like” must end, she urged.

At the same time, Serhii Prytula, a prominent charity leader and a potential future presidential candidate, dismissed Trump’s comments, reassuring Ukrainians that leadership decisions remain in their own hands. “Remember that here in Ukraine, only we – the people of Ukraine – determine who is a dictator and who is not,” he posted on X.

As Kyiv and Washington navigate this diplomatic turbulence, the future of U.S. support for Ukraine remains uncertain. The Kellogg-Zelenskyy meeting may have been a first step in mending ties, but with no clear outcome announced, concerns persist over Trump’s evolving stance and its implications for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.

While European nations strengthen their commitments to Ukraine’s security, Ukraine itself remains steadfast in its resistance. However, with Trump prioritizing swift negotiations and economic interests, Zelenskyy faces the challenge of securing continued Western support while maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.