The diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and the United States have escalated following strong remarks from Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
In a sharp rebuke of the Trump administration’s handling of foreign policy, Zaluzhnyi accused Washington of “destroying” the established global order and undermining Western unity.
Speaking at a conference hosted by Chatham House in London today, Zaluzhnyi warned that recent moves by the US government have placed Ukraine in a precarious position and could have far-reaching consequences for European security.
Strained Ties Between Kyiv and Washington
The ambassador’s comments come amid ongoing friction between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump.
The relationship between the two leaders took a significant hit last week following a tense Oval Office meeting, where Trump reportedly pressured Ukraine to engage in negotiations with Russia.
In response to Kyiv’s resistance, the US temporarily paused military aid and intelligence sharing, a move widely seen as an attempt to coerce Ukraine into engaging in US-led peace talks.
This policy shift has raised alarm in Kyiv, as it suggests a softening stance towards Moscow and a willingness to negotiate without securing strong guarantees for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Zaluzhnyi expressed deep concerns over this development, stating, “We see that it is not just the axis of evil and Russia trying to revise the world order, but the US is finally destroying this order.” His remarks reflect Ukraine’s growing frustration with Washington’s approach, which appears to prioritize ending the war quickly rather than ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security.
US Engaging in Talks with Russia
One of the key points of contention is the US’s recent engagement in preliminary peace talks with Russia.
A US delegation met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia last month to discuss potential solutions to the conflict, yet notably, neither Ukraine nor European representatives were invited to participate.
For Ukraine, this exclusion is a stark reminder that its interests may not be fully represented in negotiations led by Washington. Zaluzhnyi was particularly critical of these discussions, highlighting that engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin—whom he described as a “war criminal”—was a sign that the White House was “making steps towards the Kremlin, trying to meet them halfway.”
Additionally, the Trump administration’s decision to oppose a recent United Nations resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine has only fueled further distrust between the two nations. Zaluzhnyi characterized this move as a “huge challenge for the entire world” and suggested that it could weaken NATO’s stability, leaving Europe vulnerable to further Russian expansion.
Internal Political Maneuvering in Ukraine
Complicating matters further, Politico has reported that members of Trump’s team have held discussions with key Ukrainian political figures who oppose Zelensky. Among them are opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko and members of former President Petro Poroshenko’s party.
These meetings have sparked speculation that Washington may be considering alternative leadership for Ukraine, should Zelensky refuse to align with US-led diplomatic efforts. Tymoshenko has stated that her team is in communication with “all allies who can help ensure a just peace as soon as possible,” while Poroshenko has reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine’s war effort, despite disagreements with the current administration.
Recent polls suggest that public support within Ukraine remains divided. Zaluzhnyi, a former commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, currently enjoys the highest approval rating at 70%, followed by Zelensky at 57%. Poroshenko trails with around 20% support.
However, Ukraine’s constitution prevents elections from being held while the country remains under martial law.
Implications for European Security
Beyond the immediate crisis, Ukraine’s ambassador warned that the shifting US stance could have broader consequences for European security. Zaluzhnyi cautioned that if the US continues to distance itself from supporting Ukraine unequivocally, NATO’s unity could be at risk, and Russia may be emboldened to target other European nations.
“The next target could be Europe,” Zaluzhnyi stated ominously, emphasizing that any concessions made to Russia without firm security guarantees would send a dangerous signal to other authoritarian regimes worldwide.
As tensions continue to rise, Ukraine finds itself in an increasingly difficult position. With US-Ukraine relations under strain, Kyiv must navigate the geopolitical landscape carefully to ensure its survival and sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Washington’s evolving approach to the conflict will have significant ramifications not just for Ukraine but for the broader international order.
For now, all eyes remain on the White House, as the world waits to see whether the Trump administration will reaffirm its commitment to Ukraine or pursue a course of diplomacy that could redefine global power dynamics for years to come.
