The White House has reportedly blocked a statement from the Group of Seven (G7) countries that would have blamed Russia for ongoing conflicts, according to the Financial Times. This development comes at a time when nearly 50 countries, including the UK and most European Union governments, are expected to support a United Nations resolution condemning Russian aggression and reaffirming Ukraine's sovereignty. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "a dictator" who refuses to hold elections, and he has placed blame on Ukraine for the ongoing war.
In a surprising move, Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, canceled a scheduled press conference in Kyiv, signaling a rapid shift in the US's stance on Zelenskyy as an ally. Additionally, the US is pressing Ukraine to sign a lucrative deal that would hand over half of Ukraine's mineral wealth to the United States. The White House has deemed any failure to secure this deal as unacceptable, despite having provided $69.2 billion in assistance to Ukraine under the Biden administration.
Ukrainian officials remain skeptical about the prospects of any long-term agreement with Moscow, expressing doubts that Russian President Vladimir Putin's original objectives have changed. This skepticism is exacerbated by the US's refusal to co-sponsor a draft UN resolution marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. US envoys have raised objections to the phrase "Russian aggression" being included in the draft.
On a diplomatic level, the US appears to be working against Ukraine, with White House officials advising Ukraine to cease criticism of President Trump and to agree to the proposed mineral deal. Zelenskyy expressed having had a "good discussion" with Kellogg but remains undecided about accepting Trump's proposal to visit the frontline and engage with senior military commanders.
“If you’d told me just three months ago that these were the words of the US president, I would have laughed out loud. Trump is 200 percent right.”
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz advised that Ukraine’s president should reduce his criticism of the United States and seriously consider the proposed deal. He emphasized on Fox News that some rhetoric from Kyiv, including insults directed at President Trump, were unacceptable.
“Some of the rhetoric coming out of Kyiv … and insults to President Trump were unacceptable.” – Mike Waltz
Waltz also noted Trump's frustration with Zelenskyy for not engaging in discussions and taking advantage of opportunities presented by the US.
“President Trump is obviously very frustrated right now with President Zelensky, the fact that he hasn’t come to the table, that he hasn’t been willing to take this opportunity that we have offered.” – Mike Waltz
The US Vice-President JD Vance expressed optimism about talks with Russia, stating that progress was being made.
“I really believe we are on the cusp of peace in Europe for the first time in three years.” – JD Vance
On the economic front, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the White House remains flexible on Russian sanctions, suggesting they could be lifted or increased depending on Moscow's willingness to negotiate.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy continues to engage with international leaders. He recently spoke with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, expressing gratitude for Denmark’s clear stance on seeking true peace.
“We deeply appreciate Denmark’s clear stance on a true peace – the peace we all strive for, that must be securely guaranteed.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized Zelenskyy’s rhetoric, while former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev echoed Trump's sentiments.
“The rhetoric of Zelenskyy and many representatives of the Kyiv regime leaves much to be desired.” – Dmitry Peskov
“‘A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left.” – Dmitry Medvedev