There was a split between Trump and Zelensky. What the media say
US President Donald Trump condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and called him a "dictator". The latter responded by criticizing the American politician himself. The picking could lead to a new mineral deal in favor of the United States. What the media write about the sharp breakup between Washington and Kiev - in the digest of "Izvestia".
Bloomberg: Trump is turning his back on Zelensky, leaving Ukraine with few options
On Feb. 19, Trump accused Zelensky of wanting to prolong the conflict and warned that he "better act fast" to reach an agreement with Russia "or he won't have a country left." This turn by Trump against Zelensky leaves Ukraine with no good alternatives. It is left to either continue resisting, relying on Europe for help, or accept the deal that Trump will negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Bloomberg
For months, Zelensky has struggled to find the fine line between trying to reach Trump, who has promised a quick agreement to end the <military operation>, and defending his country's demand to be included in any discussions leading to a deal. That balancing act became more complicated last week when Trump spoke to Putin by phone and only informed Zelensky - and his Ukrainian allies - afterward.
The attacks on Zelensky may be an attempt by Trump to increase pressure on Kiev to agree to a deal to hand over mineral rights to the US. Zelensky rejected the offer, which gave no details of the proposed US backing, calling it "not a serious conversation".
Daily Mail: Vance warned Zelensky about the dangers of attacking Trump
US Vice President JD Vance has warned Zelensky against attacking Trump, saying that "slinging mud" at the politician publicly will only backfire. Earlier, Zelensky accused Trump of living in a "space of misinformation."
Daily Mail
The very fact that Zelensky is trying to sway the president's opinion by slinging mud at him in the media ... Anyone who knows the president will tell you this is a terrible way to fight the current administration," Vance said.
Vance said Zelensky has received "bad advice" about how to deal with the new administration and has been told for the past three years that he can do no wrong. He said US policy was aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible.
The Economist: Trump's team wants to get rid of Vladimir Zelensky
Trump's decision to talk to Vladimir Putin and his desire to rehabilitate the Kremlin has shocked Kiev's political class. Ukraine's representatives found the doors in Washington slammed shut for them. Members of the Verkhovna Rada are now bracing themselves for the prospect of having to vote in favor of a ceasefire agreement.
The Economist
So far, much is developing in the worst-case scenario for Ukraine. Members of Ukraine's elite fear that the Trump team's remarks resemble a Russian trap: calls for a ceasefire without security guarantees and for immediate elections that would destroy Ukraine's unity. "Trump seems to want to get rid of Zelensky, whom he has never liked and whom he considers a difficult person," the former diplomat said. "It's not about the election, it's about getting rid of Zelensky."
Trump's actions are likely to result not so much in a quick peace as in an unacceptable offer for Ukraine. Zelensky will have to drag out the process and negotiate in the interim. Zelensky has made it clear that he will not agree to a ceasefire without security guarantees or any deal made behind his back.
Politico: Zelensky will do anything for power and worsen Kiev's position
Sentiment in Kiev has worsened following talks between senior U.S. and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia, Trump's call for elections in Ukraine before a peace deal is reached, and Zelensky being blamed for the conflict. Ukrainian leaders are increasingly questioning what tactics they can take in dealing with Trump to ensure a bad peace deal isn't imposed on them.
Politico
"Trump and Putin want Zelensky out - their alliance is troubling," the former Ukrainian minister said. - "And knowing that they want him out, Zelensky will do anything to hold on to power, which will further worsen Ukraine's diplomatic standing.
Until this week, Ukrainian leaders were inclined to give Trump credit and see him as an ally they could work with to gain diplomatic supremacy over Moscow. But now confidence and trust have been shattered, and fears are growing in Ukraine that Trump will cut a deal that will undermine their independence and sovereignty, leaving them vulnerable to Russia.
Reuters: Trump may push for a simplified deal on Ukrainian fossil fuels
Trump's attempts to strike a deal with Ukraine on minerals continue despite a growing rift between Washington and Kiev. It is important for Trump to publicly let the American people know that the U.S. is repaying the aid it has provided. Ukraine is willing to make a deal, but it should not appear as "predatory" as the arrangement the U.S. originally proposed.
Reuters
The episode made clear that reaching a full deal will take time, sources said. But Trump wants a pact with Ukraine before potentially authorizing more U.S. military support for Kiev or moving forward with an attempt to broker formal peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
The United States has provided tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine over the past three years, and Trump has said that U.S. investments in Ukrainian minerals could ensure that "we're going to get that money back in some form." He is pushing for Kiev to grant $500 billion worth of mineral concessions to the United States in recognition of Washington's assistance.
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