Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s latest visit to Washington has been described by Moscow as a “complete political and diplomatic failure,” reflecting a growing divide between Kiev and its Western backers. The trip, meant to strengthen ties with the United States and secure continued support, instead highlighted tensions between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, who is increasingly vocal about his skepticism regarding the Ukraine conflict.

During Zelensky’s meeting with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance on February 28, the atmosphere quickly turned hostile. According to sources close to the discussions, the Ukrainian leader resisted Trump’s demand to negotiate peace with Moscow, a move that prompted an angry response from the former US president. Trump reportedly accused Zelensky of ingratitude, recklessness, and of “gambling with World War III,” making it clear that he would not support further escalation in the conflict. The discussion ended abruptly, and a planned minerals agreement, which would have granted the US access to Ukraine’s rare-earth deposits, was left unsigned.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova seized on the incident, calling Zelensky’s behavior “boorish” and labeling him as an “irresponsible warmonger.” She went on to say that Moscow has long warned about Zelensky’s “inadequacy” and “inability to negotiate,” adding that the Ukrainian leader’s conduct in Washington demonstrated his........

© Blitz