Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directly responded to former US President Donald Trump's accusation that Ukraine has shown "zero gratitude" for American efforts to end Russia's ongoing war against the country. The exchange occurred through heated social media posts that highlight growing tensions over peace negotiations.
Diplomatic Exchange Escalates
In a post on the social media platform X on Sunday, Zelenskyy appeared to counter Trump's grievances while maintaining diplomatic decorum. The Ukrainian leader assured that he and his government appreciate "everyone who is offering support, giving advice, and providing information" to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
"I am grateful to each and every person who is giving this help to us, to Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote. He emphasized that while appreciation exists, the effectiveness of peace efforts remains paramount. "It is important to ensure that the steps to end the war are effective, and that everything is doable."
The Ukrainian president reinforced his country's commitment to peace while defending its sovereignty. "Ukraine has never wanted war and will never be an obstacle to peace," he stated, noting that recent diplomatic activity has been "reinvigorated" and expressing hope for positive outcomes.
Trump's Demands and Peace Proposal Controversy
The exchange comes amid significant diplomatic developments. On Sunday, top officials from Ukraine, the United States, and European nations gathered in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss a US peace proposal aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict. The 28-point plan has sparked concern among European and Ukrainian leaders because it calls for Ukraine to cede territory and is widely viewed as more favorable to Russian interests.
Prior to the Geneva meeting, Trump voiced his frustration through Truth Social, directing his anger toward Zelenskyy and American allies in Europe. The former president argued that "with strong and proper US and Ukrainian leadership," the "violent and terrible" Ukraine-Russia war would never have started.
Trump claimed he "inherited a war that should have never happened" while criticizing President Joe Biden and Democratic politicians. He further asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin "would never have attacked" Ukraine if Trump had been in office at the time of the invasion, which occurred in February 2022.
On Friday, Trump delivered an ultimatum, announcing that Kyiv has until Thursday to accept his peace proposal or risk losing American military support. This development places Ukraine in a difficult position, forced to choose between standing up for its territorial rights and maintaining crucial military assistance from the United States.
Mixed Reactions to Geneva Talks
Despite the contentious backdrop, participants emerged from Sunday's Geneva discussions with cautiously optimistic assessments. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had previously drawn criticism for reportedly describing the peace plan as "Russia's wish list" according to US senators, called the gathering "probably the most productive and meaningful meeting" since Trump began his second term.
The State Department had denied Rubio's alleged characterization of the proposal, and the secretary's positive post-meeting comments suggest potential diplomatic progress. Both Ukraine and the United States confirmed in a joint statement that the talks had produced "meaningful progress" toward resolving the conflict.
However, Trump tempered expectations in an early Monday Truth Social post, warning observers not to believe that "big progress is being made in Peace Talks between Russia and Ukraine" until concrete results become visible. Still, he added a note of cautious optimism: "But something good just may be happening."
Zelenskyy concluded his social media message by emphasizing Ukraine's unwavering priorities: "Our first priority is a reliable peace, guaranteed security, respect for our people, and respect for everyone who gave their lives defending Ukraine from Russian aggression." He noted that millions of Ukrainians strongly support this position, demonstrating firm backing for the nation's independence and sovereignty.
