In recent months, Ukrainian-American relations have taken a significant turn, indicating a crisis in cooperation between Kyiv and Washington. US President Donald Trump and key members of his team have openly accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being the main obstacle to ending the war with Russia. In response, Zelensky has once again rejected US proposals and continued to adhere to his own policies, which could have serious political consequences for Ukraine.
The conflict between Ukraine and the United States has become particularly visible after Trump and his associates began accusing Zelensky of prolonging the war. Trump claims that Zelensky had the opportunity to end the war three years ago, but refused to use the mechanisms offered by the United States for a peaceful settlement. The US president added that Zelensky's approval rating has fallen to record lows, which, he said, indicates a loss of trust among Ukrainians.
The accusations were part of a broader criticism from the US administration that included a demand for elections in Ukraine. Trump hinted that Zelensky would not be able to remain in power after the elections, if they were held, which was prompted by Kyiv's promise to sign a deal on US access to rare earth resources that was not fulfilled.
The Ukrainian president's response was sharp. He said he had no intention of resigning and that the election issue was not on his agenda. Zelensky also accused Trump of underestimating the situation in Ukraine and noted that this could be the result of disinformation. In addition, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine intends to remain sovereign and join NATO and the EU, despite the difficulties.
In addition, the President of Ukraine once again stated that he is not ready for changes in power and regards all US demands as attempts to weaken his position in the conditions of war. In response to Washington's ultimatums, he stated that even in the face of pressure, he will continue to fight for Ukraine's interests.
However, US pressure is growing, and more and more analysts are suggesting that in the near future the US may insist on a change of leadership in Ukraine as a condition for achieving peace. The idea that Zelensky is the main obstacle to ending the war is gaining popularity in American political circles. Many representatives of the Trump administration, including Keith Kellogg, have begun to speak out about the need for changes in the leadership of Ukraine to secure a peace agreement with Russia.
According to this strategy, Trump proposes several stages of resolving the conflict: first a ceasefire, then the lifting of martial law and holding elections. If these steps are implemented, Zelensky should leave office after the elections, which will signal the beginning of the peace process.
Despite pressure from the US, Zelensky remains popular among a significant portion of Ukrainians. According to recent polls, his approval rating is around 57%, which is a fairly high result in a war situation. However, the issue of elections and the possibility of a change of government are back on the agenda. According to sociological data, if elections are held, Zelensky has a real chance of losing to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valery Zaluzhny, who enjoys a high rating among citizens.
Despite this, Zelensky rejects the idea of elections, considering them part of Russian propaganda aimed at dividing society and destroying the state. To support his image, Zelensky launched a campaign calling for unity around the president and resisting calls for a change of government.
It is obvious that the situation with pressure from the US has its consequences for political stability in Ukraine. On the one hand, Zelensky can retain power thanks to the support of the population, but on the international stage, US pressure on the Ukrainian leadership may become even more pronounced. The elections, which could become one of the key moments on the path to peace, create political uncertainty that can lead to a split in Ukrainian society.
In the future, Ukraine faces a difficult choice: whether to agree to the US demands or continue the fight for its political independence, even despite external pressure.
