The US has backed a 28-point proposal to end the war in Ukraine, but Kyiv’s allies are divided and Donald Trump is now attacking Ukraine’s leadership as support weakens.
The latest drama unfolded after President Donald Trump went on Truth Social to complain that Ukraine has shown “zero gratitude” for Washington’s efforts. He also took aim at European nations for continuing to buy Russian energy. His comments surfaced just as US diplomats meet Ukrainian officials in Geneva, with only days left for Ukraine to respond to the American plan.
In his post, Trump again claimed the 2020 election was “rigged” and argued that if he had been in office after that election, the war between Russia and Ukraine “would have never started.” He blamed both President Joe Biden and President Volodymyr Zelensky for the conflict, despite the fact that Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022 well into Biden’s term and that Moscow’s aggression dates back to its 2014 annexation of Crimea.
Trump’s renewed attacks echo his tense meeting earlier this year, when he and Senator JD Vance confronted Zelensky in the Oval Office. Now, he is escalating his criticism at a moment when support for the 28-point peace proposal is wavering across Europe.
Shortly before Trump’s post, Zelensky suggested on X that some elements of the US plan may undermine Ukraine’s national interests. According to reports, the peace proposal could require Ukraine to surrender significant territory, formally accept Russia’s control over Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk, and agree to limits on the size of its military all major red lines for Kyiv.
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have expressed concerns that the plan may leave Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian aggression. A joint statement from the European Council welcomed US involvement but made it clear that more work is needed to ensure any settlement is “just,” “lasting,” and truly safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty.
With the deadline approaching, tensions are rising on all sides. Washington remains eager to secure a breakthrough, Kyiv is pushing back against concessions that could weaken its long-term security, and European allies are trying to find a path that protects Ukraine without rewarding Russian aggression.
Whether Trump’s outbursts will influence negotiations remains unclear but his rhetoric is already adding new pressure to an already fragile diplomatic moment.
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