Putin ally praises Trump; Zelenskyy press conference canceled

Trump ally praises Zelenskyy despite cancelled press conference amid worsening Ukraine-US relations and criticisms of Trump’s comments.

In Short

Keith Kellogg met Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv, but their press conference was cancelled by the US, raising concerns among Ukraine’s allies about tensions with the US. Criticism of Donald Trump’s remarks towards Zelenskyy has emerged, with calls for strong support for Ukraine amidst shifting US foreign policy.

Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday.

Their anticipated joint press conference was cancelled at the request of the US, though Zelenskyy described their discussion as “good.”

This cancellation raises concerns among Ukraine’s allies about the worsening relations with the US, its main supporter in the ongoing war with Russia.

The tensions follow recent criticisms from Donald Trump toward Zelenskyy, whom he labelled a “dictator” and claimed was “doing a terrible job.”

Trump has also propagated the notion that Ukraine instigated the war, prompting Zelenskyy to accuse him of being influenced by Russian disinformation.

Criticism of Trump’s remarks has emerged from various quarters, including Australia. Opposition leader Peter Dutton stated that Australia should firmly support Ukraine, reaffirming its status as a democracy and underscoring the need to oppose Vladimir Putin.

Dutton voiced his disagreement with Trump’s comments about Zelenskyy and the situation in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russian officials appear to be taking pleasure in the apparent shifts in US foreign policy.