Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of national solidarity, European cohesion, and pragmatic engagement with Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized him.

Trump accused Zelenskiy of being a “dictator without elections” and urged him to swiftly negotiate peace or risk Ukraine’s downfall. The remarks marked an unprecedented shift in U.S. rhetoric, given Washington's strong backing of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago.

The Trump administration is pursuing a rapid resolution to the war, bypassing Ukraine and European allies in early negotiations with Russia while blaming Kyiv for the conflict. This approach has unsettled European leaders, prompting them to boost defense spending and consider a U.S.-endorsed European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine—an idea welcomed by Zelenskiy but condemned by Moscow.

“We are standing firm on our own,” Zelenskiy said in a Wednesday night address. “I am relying on Ukrainian unity, European solidarity, and American pragmatism—because America also needs success.”

Zelenskiy is set to meet with U.S. envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, on Thursday, stressing the importance of constructive engagement with Washington. Meanwhile, Trump has sought to reestablish ties with Moscow and capitalize on Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. Kyiv rejected an initial U.S. proposal due to a lack of security guarantees, with Zelenskiy accusing Trump of echoing Russian propaganda.

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz urged Ukraine to tone down its criticism of the U.S. and agree to the minerals deal. “They need to take a hard look and sign that deal,” he told Fox News. Sources told Reuters that Trump’s team might first secure a simplified minerals agreement before negotiating more detailed terms.


European leaders have been scrambling to adapt to the shift in U.S. policy. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the urgency, stating, “Recent developments and this new perspective from the U.S. force us to act swiftly and decisively.”

On the battlefield, Russian forces continue advancing along parts of the 1,000-km (600-mile) front line, controlling about 20% of Ukraine’s territory. While Ukrainian officials argue that a ceasefire would only give Russia time to regroup, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief suggested one might still be possible this year, albeit with doubts about its longevity.

Kellogg, upon arriving in Kyiv, stated he was there to listen. In response, Zelenskiy struck a conciliatory note: “Together with America and Europe, we can achieve a more secure peace. Our unity is our greatest safeguard for the future—a future without [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, but with peace.”

Trump’s claim that Zelenskiy is a dictator hinges on Ukraine’s postponement of elections under martial law, imposed since Russia’s invasion began on February 24, 2022. The emergency measure, which extends presidential terms and prohibits elections, has fueled debate among Ukraine’s political opposition.

While some opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, defended Zelenskiy’s legitimacy and opposed elections during wartime, others have been less supportive. Former President Petro Poroshenko, who recently faced government-imposed sanctions, has remained silent on Trump’s remarks.

Popular opposition figures like ex-military chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi and philanthropist Serhii Prytula have urged Ukrainians to stay focused on winning the war rather than engaging in political disputes. “Remember, only the people of Ukraine decide who is a dictator and who is not,” Prytula posted on social media.