Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that U.S. policies, particularly under President Donald Trump, are helping Russian President Vladimir Putin regain international legitimacy.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on February 19, Zelenskyy expressed concern that Washington’s approach is softening global resistance to Russia’s aggression.
"Russia Is Being Treated as a Victim"
Zelenskyy pointed to recent diplomatic meetings, including U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, as evidence that Moscow is no longer being treated as an aggressor but rather as a party in a "conflict" that needs resolution.
He argued that this shift plays into Putin’s hands, allowing him to break free from the isolation imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“I believe the United States is helping Putin emerge from years of isolation,” Zelenskyy stated, adding that some U.S. officials now seem to be taking a more conciliatory tone toward Moscow.
Responding to claims that the U.S. provides 90% of Ukraine’s military aid, Zelenskyy acknowledged the importance of American support but emphasized that the reality is more complex.
“I would like to see more truth from President Trump’s team,” he said, pushing back against the narrative that Ukraine is entirely dependent on U.S. aid.
He also noted that after three years of war, the change in U.S. rhetoric could make it harder to maintain pressure on Russia and could embolden Putin to continue his war.
Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence sources told NBC that Putin is not genuinely interested in peace but sees negotiations as a way to buy time while advancing his military objectives.
According to officials, the Russian leader remains convinced he can outlast Ukraine and its allies, sticking to his long-term goal of dominating Ukraine.
