US Envoy reaffirms support for Zelenskyy amid tensions with Trump

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, February 21st, 2025

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KYIV, Ukraine – Amid escalating tensions between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, expressed strong support for Zelenskyy following his recent remarks. Kellogg, who visited Kyiv this week, called Zelenskyy “an embattled and courageous leader” as he praised his leadership during Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.
Kellogg’s comments came after a series of negative statements from Trump, who criticized Zelenskyy as “a dictator without elections” and urged him to negotiate an end to the war. Trump’s remarks followed his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his announcement of a shift in U.S. policy toward Russia, signaling a potential rift between Washington and Kyiv. Kellogg’s praise, on the other hand, highlighted positive discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, despite these tensions.
Polish President Andrzej Duda also reiterated his support for Zelenskyy, urging continued constructive dialogue with Trump. Duda emphasized that U.S. support is essential for achieving peace in Ukraine and voiced confidence in Trump’s sense of responsibility for global stability.
Meanwhile, the European Union reaffirmed its backing of Ukraine, with Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius announcing a new aid package to coincide with the third anniversary of the war. EU officials, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will visit Kyiv on Monday to demonstrate continued solidarity.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russian forces continue their assault on Ukraine, striking civilian targets in Donetsk and Kharkiv, killing and injuring multiple individuals. The war shows no signs of abating, even as U.S. and European officials stress the importance of maintaining strong support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.