Trump lashes out at Ukrainian leadership, claiming Kyiv has shown ‘zero gratitude’

Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Ukrainian leaders for what he claims is a lack of gratitude towards U.S. efforts in ongoing peace negotiations, as talks in Geneva aim to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Ukraine’s leadership of showing “zero gratitude” for American support and criticized European nations for continuing to purchase Russian oil, describing the war as a “loser for everyone.” This outburst occurred amidst high-stakes diplomatic meetings in Geneva, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials are discussing a 28-point peace plan proposed by the Trump administration. Rubio touted “tremendous progress” in the talks, stating that sticking points are “not insurmountable” and expressing optimism that an agreement could be reached soon, potentially within days. The initial draft of the peace plan faced criticism for being overly favorable to Russia, including provisions for Ukraine to cede territory, limit its military, and abandon NATO aspirations, but recent revisions have addressed some of Kyiv’s concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly expressed gratitude for U.S. support in the past, contrary to Trump’s claims, and emphasized the importance of ending the bloodshed while cautiously welcoming the diplomatic efforts. In a social media post, Zelensky noted that there are “signals that President Trump’s team is hearing us,” indicating some alignment in the negotiations. He has consistently thanked the U.S. for its assistance, including in statements following discussions with American officials. European leaders from the UK, France, and Germany have been involved in the talks, insisting that any agreement must not compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty or be made without European input. They have helped push back against elements seen as rewarding Russian aggression, such as the initial demand for Ukraine to give up NATO membership. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the removal of such clauses as a “decisive success” for Europe. As negotiations continue, Russian attacks on Ukraine persist, with recent drone strikes in Kharkiv causing at least four deaths and injuring 17 others. This violence highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for a ceasefire. The conflict, which has raged for nearly four years, has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, underscoring the complexity of achieving a lasting peace. The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed to continue intensive work on the proposal, with both sides recognizing the progress made. The outcome of these talks is likely to shape future security dynamics in Europe and influence the broader international response to the war. A sustainable resolution will require balancing the interests of all parties involved, including Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia’s concerns, to prevent further escalation.