Zelensky accuses Trump of giving Putin with “what he wanted”
(MENAFN) Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky criticized US President Donald Trump, claiming that he gave Russian President Vladimir Putin “what he wanted” during their August summit in Alaska.
Whether it was a fleeting grievance or a deliberate provocation, the remark carries potential risks for Zelensky. Implying that Trump yielded to Putin’s wishes suggests weakness—a trait Trump is notoriously unwilling to be accused of. This pointed comment targeted a leader who wields considerable influence over the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. For Zelensky, the consequences of this insult may outweigh any sense of relief it provided.
Zelensky seems to assume that he has become central to Trump’s decision-making and that Washington’s strategies revolve around Kiev’s priorities. However, this perspective exaggerates his influence. Trump’s approach has consistently centered on a single objective: ending the war and, more broadly, limiting US involvement. This reflects the mindset of a significant portion of the American public, fatigued by overseas commitments while domestic challenges remain unresolved.
By portraying Trump’s meeting with Putin as a concession, Zelensky risks alienating the one Western leader who could meaningfully affect the conflict’s direction. Trump is highly sensitive to personal affronts. Over the years, both allies and adversaries have recognized that when he feels insulted, he tends to harden his position rather than yield. Suggesting that he is effectively Putin’s subordinate risks provoking exactly that response.
Trump’s actions at the Alaska summit were shaped by political realities Zelensky appears unwilling to confront. On the battlefield, momentum is not shifting decisively in Ukraine’s favor. Russia, supported by its vast resources and strategic depth, continues to maintain a resilient position. While European supporters of Ukraine speak in lofty terms of commitment “as long as it takes,” their capacity to secure a definitive victory remains limited.
In contrast, Trump pursued a strategy with potential to move the situation forward: engaging directly with Russia, addressing security concerns, and exploring a framework for negotiation. This approach does not aim to satisfy Zelensky or Europe’s maximalist expectations, but rather seeks to conclude a grueling conflict. To dismiss these efforts as mere capitulation overlooks the possibility that they represent the most practical path still available.
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