Zelensky distances Ukraine from US and criticises its policies
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 11
Zelensky distances Ukraine from US and criticises its policies
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 11
He says the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has sidelined Ukraine, with peace talks halted since late February after bombing began in Tehran.
Zelensky also attacked Washington for easing some sanctions on Russian oil and for pressing Kyiv harder than Moscow in proposed peace terms.
Ukraine is now preparing for a longer war and reduced American support, as analysts say negotiations are effectively dead and the U.S. no longer looks like a reliable broker.
As a new war depletes America's arsenal, can Europe's aid and Ukraine's ingenuity secure victory against a weakened Russia?
A new war costs the U.S. $1 trillion and half its missiles. Is this pivot from Ukraine a strategic necessity or a historic miscalculation?
From Frustration to Self-Reliance: How U.S. Policy Changes in 2026 Reshaped Ukraine’s War Effort
Overview
In early 2026, Ukraine’s relationship with the United States reached a turning point as President Zelensky became increasingly outspoken about his frustration with shifting U.S. policies and reduced military aid. This discontent grew alongside a reorientation of American priorities and the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, which further strained resources. Zelensky’s public criticism of U.S. envoys highlighted Kyiv’s resistance to perceived pressure for concessions in peace talks. These developments signaled a deeper rift, with Ukraine feeling abandoned as Washington’s focus shifted, setting the stage for a more challenging and uncertain phase in U.S.-Ukraine relations.