KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump is operating within a Russian-influenced “disinformation space” due to his administration’s engagements with officials from the Kremlin.
Zelenskyy expressed a desire for Trump’s team to provide more accurate information.
His remarks came just before a scheduled meeting with Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, who arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday. Kellogg is set to meet with Zelenskyy and military leaders as the U.S. begins to reform its strategy, moving away from prior efforts to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Tuesday, Trump suggested that iUkraine was responsible for the war, which is about to enter its fourth year next week, as discussions among senior American and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia overshadowed Ukraine and its European allies.
French President Emmanuel Macron planned to hold a videoconference on Ukraine later Wednesday with leaders from over 15 countries, primarily European nations, “to convene all partners invested in peace and security” in the region, according to his office.
Top European officials convened an emergency meeting in Paris on Monday after feeling excluded by the Trump administration.
Trump’s recent remarks could irritate Ukrainian officials, who are seeking global assistance to combat Russia’s full-scale invasion initiated on February 24, 2022.
Trump went on to state at Mar-a-Lago that Zelenskyy’s approval rating was at 4%.
Zelenskyy responded during a news conference in Kyiv that “we recognize this disinformation. We are aware it originates from Russia.” He added that Trump “exists within this disinformation space.”
Trump also proposed that Ukraine should conduct elections, which have been delayed due to the war and subsequent martial law, as per the Ukrainian Constitution.
Zelenskyy challenged unspecified assertions that 90% of Ukraine’s aid comes from the United States.
He clarified that, for example, around 34% of arms in Ukraine are produced domestically, over 30% of support originates from Europe, and up to 40% comes from the U.S.
The situation on the battlefield has become increasingly dire for Ukraine in recent months. A relentless assault by Russia’s larger military is eroding Ukrainian defenses, forcing them back in certain areas along the lengthy 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line.
Trump stated to reporters at his residence in Florida on Tuesday that Ukraine “should have never initiated” the conflict and “could have negotiated a deal” to avert it.
Kellogg remarked that his trip to Kyiv was “an opportunity for constructive and substantial discussions.” Zelenskyy had planned to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday but canceled his trip, which some analysts view as an effort to undermine the legitimacy of the U.S.-Russia discussions concerning his nation’s future.
American officials have indicated that Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO as a shield against Russian aggression post any potential peace accord are unlikely to materialize. Zelenskyy asserts that any agreement will necessitate security commitments from the U.S. to contain Russia.
“We acknowledge the necessity for security guarantees,” Kellogg stated upon his arrival at Kyiv train station, as reported by the Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Novyny.
“We are acutely aware of the significance of this nation’s sovereignty and independence. … A part of my role is to engage in discussions,” remarked the retired three-star general.
Kellogg mentioned that he would relay insights from his visit to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “ensure we address this correctly.”
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