US President’s Feud with Ukrainian Leader Could Shift the Course of the War
The deepening discord between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is adding new layers of uncertainty to Ukraine’s ongoing war effort. With Trump labelling Zelenskyy a “dictator” and questioning his leadership, diplomatic ties between Washington and Kyiv have grown increasingly fragile—potentially altering the trajectory of peace negotiations.
As the Russia-Ukraine war nears its fourth year, Zelenskyy remains steadfast in his calls for US support. On Thursday (Feb 20), he is set to meet US envoy Keith Kellogg, voicing hopes for a “constructive” partnership despite Trump’s recent social media attacks. The US President has accused Zelenskyy of clinging to power by postponing elections—despite wartime laws allowing for such measures—and even implied Ukraine bore responsibility for provoking Russia’s 2022 invasion.
In response, Zelenskyy denounced Trump’s remarks as Russian “disinformation” aimed at undermining Ukraine’s resistance.
US-Ukraine Relations at a Crossroads
Political analysts warn that Trump’s growing scepticism toward Ukraine signals a broader strategy shift. Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, believes the US administration is “laying the groundwork to walk away” from Ukraine, positioning Europe as the primary lifeline for Kyiv’s survival.
Trump’s stance coincides with high-level US-Russia talks on ending the war—talks from which Ukraine has been notably excluded. Analysts argue that if Washington sidelines Kyiv in favour of negotiations with Moscow, Russia may seize the opportunity to demand territorial concessions, effectively redrawing Ukraine’s borders.
“The moment the US disengages, Ukraine will be forced to rely on Europe alone,” Davis noted. “The question is: Will Europe step up in time?”
Trump’s Shift Towards China
Trump’s pivot away from Ukraine may be part of a larger geopolitical recalibration, with his administration shifting its primary focus toward countering China. According to Alexey Muraviev, an associate professor of national security at Curtin University, Trump views the war in Ukraine as a “Biden problem” and is eager to disengage.
“He wants Ukraine to be Europe’s burden,” Muraviev explained. “He sees Europe as both a security liability and an economic competitor.”
Meanwhile, Moscow has hardened its stance in negotiations, rejecting any possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. Trump, however, remains confident in his ability to broker a deal, stating he believes he has “the power to end this war.” Reports suggest he is considering a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin before the end of the month.
As global tensions escalate, the fate of Ukraine—and the balance of power in Europe—may rest on the unpredictable dynamics between Trump, Zelenskyy, and the Kremlin.
