The wisdom of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s choice to mend ties with US President Donald Trump is a matter of debate among various factions within Ukraine.
“A very bad decision,” stated blogger and army serviceman Yuriy Kasyanov, expressing scepticism about the United States’ willingness to assist Ukraine following the signing of this mineral deal.
Former MP Boryslav Bereza remarked, “The president behaved with dignity,” while characterising Zelensky’s change in tone as an “apology.”
In a significant display of leadership, Ukraine’s president delivered his evening address from the courtyard of the Presidential Office in Kyiv last night. The location remains substantial, as it was here that he offered the now-iconic “we are all here” address alongside his cabinet on the second day of Russia’s invasion.
At that time, he had declined opportunities to depart. There was widespread anticipation in the West that Russia would seize control of the capital within a matter of days, potentially leading to the capture or assassination of the president.
Three years later, his decision to continue the fight was slowly stripped of him.
He expressed his willingness to operate under Trump’s “strong leadership,” asserting it was “time to make things right.”
The aggressive language from Washington, coupled with the recent Oval Office meeting and the suspension of US military aid, has compelled him to align with Trump’s vision for peace.
Until last week, President Zelensky maintained a steadfast position that Ukraine would only consider peace if its security was assured; otherwise, the nation would continue to resist.
He further alleged that Trump resides in a “disinformation space,” following the US president’s reiteration of specific claims made by Moscow.
In a dramatic turn of events, Friday witnessed a heated confrontation between Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance, who levelled accusations at Zelensky, claiming he had “disrespected” the United States, culminating in a directive for him to depart.
During the weekend, the Ukrainian leader received a notably warmer welcome from European leaders. However, while they committed to supporting Ukraine’s future security, they emphasised that achieving peace would still necessitate involvement from the United States.
On Tuesday, Trump announced a pause in US military aid to Ukraine, prompting worries that the nation may only be able to withstand its current challenges for a limited time. This development leaves Zelensky to navigate the complexities of the situation.
In a correspondence addressed to the US president, he outlined detailed proposals for the initial phase of a peace process, which could encompass a naval and aerial ceasefire. France’s President Emmanuel Macron initially made these suggestions over the weekend.
Trump expressed gratitude for the letter, indicating a potential easing of tensions between the two leaders, and noted that Zelensky had consented to pursue a peace agreement.
Despite the absence of the security guarantees he previously deemed crucial, Zelensky’s recent decision to sign a mineral deal raises significant questions about his current strategy and priorities.
The United States has indicated that the involvement of American companies in natural resource extraction could deter Russia from violating a ceasefire agreement. Nonetheless, American businesses did not prevent Moscow from proceeding with its full-scale invasion.
The absence of any apparent compromises Russia would need to consider in a potential peace agreement is particularly revealing.
Zelensky may have reached a critical juncture in his political journey. With European allies recognising their reliance on the United States, Washington remains his primary avenue for support.
