Trump vs. Zelensky: How U.S.- Ukraine Relations Could Shift Under a Second Trump Presidency
- Nina Tsenova
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Author: Lucrezia Miano
The relationship between US President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky has recently deteriorated, complicating the Ukrainian situation. The latest disastrous meeting between the two leaders has challenged the cooperation between the two countries and could change the balance in the war between Ukraine and Russia.
The Beginnings of Tensions
Trump and Zelensky have had tensions and misunderstandings before, so this is not the first time they have clashed and their relations have already been strained in the past. Their long-running rivalry began in 2019 with a phone call that led to the first impeachment of the US President. During his second term as president Trump faced a different and more complicated situation. Indeed, in 2022 Ukraine was invaded by Russia, ruled by Putin. In the ongoing conflict, the position of the US is crucial and it is important for Ukraine to have the support of the US. Trump, therefore, has to deal with a complicated situation.
Trump's Position
Trump's re-election may be a problem for Ukraine. Indeed, Trump has shown that he does not want to give unconditional support to Kiev. Trump has imposed stricter conditions on military aid and has proposed an agreement between Russia and Ukraine involving either territorial cessions to Moscow. Consequently, Zelensky is now in a complicated position because on the one hand he needs American support and on the other hand he does not want to compromise with Putin's Russia. The high tensions between the Ukrainian leader and the American president thus worsen the conditions of Ukraine.
The Repercussions of The Clash
The tension between the two leaders and the complication of relations is evidenced by Trump's decision to no longer share intelligence with Kiev. This decision could significantly weaken Ukraine and its ability to defend itself against Russian attacks. Without the help of American intelligence, the Ukrainian army no longer receives the coordinates to strike behind Russian lines and does not have the maps to attack the enemy. This clearly complicates the Ukrainian defence. The Ukrainian resistance was thus greatly damaged by Trump's decision and the army suffered heavy losses.
How Zelensky is Dealing With the Situation
Despite tensions with Trump, Zelensky is trying to reconcile with the US, admitting that American support is essential for his country to defeat Russia. The Ukrainian leader said he was grateful to the US for their help and tried to be as conciliatory as possible. However, he claimed that he will not enter into any agreement with Russia unless he is given security guarantees. Furthermore, he made it clear to Trump that he would be happy to know that the US president is on the side of Ukraine, since it was Russia that started the war by invading Ukraine.
The Disastrous Meeting in February 2025
On 28 February 2025, tensions between the two leaders became clear during their meeting in the Oval Office. The meeting was surprisingly tense. Rarely have two leaders been seen confronting each other in such a rude and aggressive manner. Trump has repeatedly attacked Zelensky, accusing him of wanting to provoke World War III and harshly criticising his diplomatic skills. It was precisely this last meeting that raised concerns about future relations between the two countries and the geopolitical situation in Ukraine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between Trump and Zelensky has been marked over time by various misunderstandings and the escalating tensions between the two leaders has worsened the Ukrainian position in the war against Russia. Recent decisions by the US President have complicated the Ukrainian army's defence chances. Zelensky can’t afford to lose American support and therefore is in a delicate position. The future of bilateral relations between the two countries is uncertain and it will be necessary to find a balance between Ukraine’s need for US support and reaching a diplomatic agreement on the conflict.
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