Trump and Zelensky at odds despite new optimism in talks

The hug offered by US envoy Steve Witkoff to Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of talks in Oslo is unlikely to have eased the Ukrainian leader's concerns over Washington's strategic direction. While Zelensky shared a video of the encounter on social media emphasizing that Ukraine works for peace and thanking partners for support, the underlying tensions remain palpable.

Given the events of this month, observers question whether the Ukrainian leader still views Donald Trump as a reliable partner. Over the past ten days, both rhetoric and actions have exposed a rift as deep as any in their complex relationship, characterized by sharp verbal exchanges.

Context and Analysis: This recent escalation highlights Donald Trump's aggressive diplomatic approach, which often disrupts traditional alliances. By shifting US economic policy toward Russia and easing sanctions, the White House directly complicates Kyiv's wartime strategy, forcing Ukraine to navigate severe shortages in advanced air defense systems and critical military intelligence.

This friction echoes previous crises, such as their tense Oval Office meeting in February 2025 when Trump accused Zelensky of gambling with World War III, leading to a temporary halt in military aid. Although European nations later stepped in to finance American equipment purchases, ongoing shortages of Patriot air defense missiles and reported restrictions on Starlink satellite internet and intelligence sharing have severely hampered Ukraine's defense against Russian ballistic missiles and drones.

"What the Trump administration is doing is providing carrots to the Russians and sticks to the Ukrainians."

William Taylor, former US ambassador to Kyiv

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Earlier this month, Ukrainian negotiators in Miami met with US envoys Witkoff and Jared Kushner only to be blindsided by reports that Trump had struck a deal with Vladimir Putin to open US markets to Russian diesel. Seen as a rebuke against Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries, the move preceded Trump's decision to waive sweeping sanctions under the Graham Act just two days before implementation, a step praised by Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev as historic.