President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, reacting angrily to comments suggesting that the end of Ukraine's war with Russia could still be far off. In a social media post, Trump denounced Zelensky's remarks, calling them "the worst statement that could have been made," and warning that "America will not put up with it for much longer."
Trump's comments followed a report from the Associated Press highlighting Zelensky's assertion that a resolution to the conflict remained distant. "This guy doesn't want there to be peace as long as he has America's backing," Trump wrote. He also pointed to European leaders' remarks indicating their dependence on U.S. support, adding, "Probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia."
The reaction comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv following a contentious Oval Office meeting on Friday, in which Trump accused Zelensky of "gambling with" a third world war and told him to return "when he is ready for peace." The fallout has raised concerns about whether the U.S. will continue to provide military aid to Ukraine, with reports indicating that White House officials are considering a suspension of support.
Fox News reported Monday that a minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S.-which Trump claimed would provide Kyiv with security guarantees-would not be signed unless Zelensky made "an explicit public apology for the way he behaved in the Oval Office." Meanwhile, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have attempted to mediate the growing rift between Washington and Kyiv.
In response to the escalating situation, Trump convened a high-level White House meeting on Monday with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Officials were expected to review the European proposal for a partial one-month truce between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the potential suspension of U.S. aid.
Waltz briefly addressed reporters ahead of the meeting, stating, "We welcome the Europeans taking a lead in European security. They have to invest in the capability to do that. They're certainly showing a will." However, Trump later criticized European nations for purchasing Russian energy while relying on the U.S. to support Ukraine, writing on social media that they had "spent more money buying Russian oil and gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine-BY FAR!"
The growing divide between the U.S. and Ukraine has prompted some Trump allies to suggest that Zelensky should resign. Rubio and Waltz, previously among the most hawkish members of the administration on Russia, have aligned with Trump's position, questioning whether Zelensky is capable of leading Ukraine through negotiations.
Speaking to CNN on Monday, Waltz said, "We need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians, and end this war." He added that if Zelensky's "personal motivations or political motivations are divergent from ending the fighting in his country, then I think we have a real issue on our hands."
Germany has emerged as a vocal critic of Trump's handling of the situation. Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become Germany's next chancellor, suggested that the Oval Office confrontation was deliberately staged to pressure Zelensky. "It was not a spontaneous reaction to interventions by Zelensky, but obviously a manufactured escalation," Merz said. He further warned that the U.S. under Trump appears indifferent to the fate of Europe, saying, "My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA."
France's Prime Minister François Bayrou also condemned Trump's conduct during the Oval Office meeting, describing it as an attempt to "make Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fold through threats." Bayrou said Zelensky "did not fold" and deserved recognition for his resolve.
As the White House debates its next steps, Trump officials are considering reopening negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine. Sources indicated that discussions are already underway for a second round of U.S.-Russia talks, potentially hosted in a Gulf state.
Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the future of U.S. military support for Ukraine. A defense official told CNN that the Pentagon is continuing to deliver pre-approved aid but warned that without additional funding from Congress, the Army may have to cut back or halt operations related to training and logistics for Ukrainian forces.
The uncertainty surrounding U.S. support has fueled criticism from lawmakers. Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed alarm over reports that the administration might attempt to end all U.S. assistance to Ukraine, writing, "I know foreign policy is not for the faint of heart, but right now, I am sick to my stomach."
Trump's national security team has maintained that they remain committed to securing an end to the war. "We are not gonna stop to make movements to try and stop to end the war," a senior administration official told CNN. However, Trump's latest remarks have left Zelensky's government scrambling for assurances that U.S. support will not be cut off entirely.
