Zelensky Expresses Gratitude as Trump Criticises Kyiv During Ongoing Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly thanked the United States and its leadership even as U.S. President, Donald Trump delivered sharp criticism of Kyiv during renewed diplomatic engagements between both sides.

The exchange comes at a tense moment in U.S.–Ukraine relations, with negotiations underway over future security commitments and the direction of potential peace efforts.

Trump had accused Ukraine of showing “zero gratitude” for American support, echoing earlier confrontations in which he and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance reprimanded Zelensky over alleged ingratitude and insisted that Kyiv must make concessions in any eventual settlement. His latest remarks, delivered as discussions resumed, added friction to already delicate talks and revived concerns over Washington’s long-term posture toward the war.

Despite the public rebuke, Zelensky issued a message thanking the American government, Congress and the U.S. public for their continued backing. He emphasised Ukraine’s dependence on global support and reiterated that any peace must include firm and lasting security guarantees. His response was widely interpreted as an attempt to maintain stability in relations and reassure allies unsettled by the harsh rhetoric.

The diplomatic tension also carried over into Europe, where Zelensky held further consultations with Western partners to consolidate support amid uncertainty surrounding Washington’s direction. Analysts say the Ukrainian president is balancing gratitude toward the U.S. with a firm defence of Kyiv’s position, while Trump’s comments appear aimed at pressuring Ukraine into accepting a negotiated settlement aligned with U.S. strategic preferences.

The episode highlights a growing divide between public messaging and diplomatic necessity, with Kyiv seeking to keep vital support intact even as political shifts in Washington shape the tone of ongoing negotiations.