Ukraine’s President Battles on Two Fronts: Confronting Russian Forces While Countering American Media Attacks | World News

Ukraine’s president seems to be contending with challenges on two fronts – facing Russian military actions and responding to American attacks via media channels.

Analysis from Ukraine by Deborah Haynes, security and defence editor

Donald Trump has been vocally criticizing Ukraine’s president, prompting him to abandon diplomatic courtesies towards an essential ally and strike back.

This is a formidable gamble for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, especially given Ukraine’s substantial dependence on American military aid in confronting Russia’s invasion and the US leader’s aversion to dissent.

However, the recent tumultuous and assertive diplomacy emanating from the White House—challenging long-standing perceptions about US backing for European and Ukrainian security—has evidently compelled Kyiv to respond candidly.

During a press conference held at the presidential palace on Wednesday, Mr. Zelenskyy remarked that the American president is engulfed in a realm of misinformation, following Mr. Trump’s incorrect assertion that Ukraine instigated Russia’s conflict and that Mr. Zelenskyy’s public approval rating stands at a mere 4%.

The US president is advocating for elections in Ukraine—an endeavor that would be extremely challenging under ongoing Russian missile and drone assaults while countless Ukrainians remain engaged at the frontlines.

Mr. Zelenskyy stated that recent polls indicate 57% of the populace supports him—a figure comparably favorable to Mr. Trump’s.

He also delivered his most scathing critique yet regarding a proposed initiative by the Trump administration that would have required Kyiv to relinquish a substantial portion of its wealth derived from rare minerals and other natural resources, estimated to be valued at approximately $500 billion.

Mr. Zelenskyy asserted he could not “sell our state,” describing the proposition as not a “serious” discussion.

Nonetheless, it is crucial for him to maintain a serious dialogue with Washington, particularly after President Trump engaged with Vladimir Putin a week prior, initiating a warming of relations between Moscow and Washington that culminated in a meeting of senior US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, along with anticipated discussions between the American and Russian presidents.

A preliminary step involves holding talks with Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general and Mr. Trump’s envoy to Ukraine and Russia, who arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning—though he notably did not participate in the recent Saudi Arabia discussions despite his position.

Ukraine’s president expressed a desire to converse with Mr. Kellogg and hopes to take him to the frontline to converse with soldiers about their perspectives; he also wishes to engage with citizens in the capital to gather their thoughts on the war, Mr. Zelenskyy’s initiatives, and Mr. Trump’s remarks.

The envoy shared with a small group of reporters as he boarded the train that his mission is to listen and relay information back to Mr. Trump.

When queried about his confidence in persuading Mr. Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations, Mr. Kellogg responded, “I’m always confident.”

The unfolding days will reveal whether that confidence is justified.

Further reading:
Trump’s diplomacy looks bleak for Ukraine
Trump ‘disappointed’ by Ukraine’s response regarding talks

Perspective from Russia by Ivor Bennett, Moscow correspondent

Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared exhausted, visibly wrestling with the dual challenge of battling Russian forces on the ground and countering American media attacks.

Ukraine’s leader seemed almost dazed by Donald Trump’s verbal onslaught last night, accusing Kyiv of instigating the war.

What was once Ukraine’s staunchest supporter now seems to be an existential danger. Yet currently, Mr. Zelenskyy is retaliating.

He accused Mr. Trump of being ensnared in a “disinformation bubble,” asserting that he hasn’t merely accepted the Kremlin’s narrative but has now fully embraced it.

He rebuffed Mr. Trump’s unfounded claims of a 4% approval rating, labeling it as Russian propaganda, as Moscow has consistently attempted to depict Mr. Zelenskyy as an illegitimate leader due to his term being extended indefinitely under martial law.

In truth, his approval ratings align closely with Mr. Trump’s, a fact that might resonate with a former president who was fixated on television ratings during his initial term.

Nonetheless, it appears factuality is currently disregarded in the White House.

Moreover, Mr. Zelenskyy was highly dismissive—almost mocking—regarding the proposed deal concerning US and Ukraine’s mineral wealth.

He deemed it “not a serious conversation,” rejecting Mr. Trump’s business-focused approach. Mr. Zelenskyy remains intent on drawing attention to Ukraine’s devastation, rather than its rare earth elements.

The stark contrast between his messages and demeanor compared to Vladimir Putin is evident.

Following the US election in November, the Russian president has sought to flatter Mr. Trump, expressing sympathy and deference, even in the face of criticisms.

In Riyadh yesterday, Moscow began to reap the benefits.

However, Mr. Zelenskyy faces a different reality. Having once been at the forefront of attention, he now struggles to maintain relevance, threatened by the incoming tide of the Donald Trump negotiating approach.

For the time being, he stands in its path, attempting to halt its momentum. Yet, any hope that it will alter course or slow down may be overly optimistic.