Tensions between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government were escalating behind the scenes, which became public when President Zelenskyy was told his meetings with top Trump officials could be canceled if he did not agree to certain demands. Ukrainian officials were worried about mixed messages from the U.S. about NATO membership and were alarmed when Defense Secretary Hegseth suggested the U.S. might withdraw troops from Europe. Trump saw Zelenskyy as resistant to reasonable demands from a country that had received substantial military aid, as Zelenskyy did not appear willing to make necessary compromises for peace. The relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine continued to deteriorate as Trump criticized Zelenskyy and called for new elections in Kyiv, leading to concerns among U.S. officials.
Zelenskyy sought to demonstrate flexibility in peace talks and show that Ukraine was not the obstacle to a settlement with Russia, as Trump had a history of not criticizing Russia. The situation changed dramatically when Putin released a detained American, allowing for negotiations between the U.S. and Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Trump neglected key supporters of Kyiv such as Kellogg, who had been sympathetic. As U.S. and European officials met, tensions remained as some advised against publicly ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine, but Hegseth did so anyway. Additionally, the Treasury Secretary presented a controversial agreement for rare earth minerals to Zelenskyy, threatening to cancel meetings if he did not sign. The proposal remains in limbo as Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about its impact on Ukraine’s security.
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