Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to navigate complex diplomatic challenges nearly six years into his presidency, as the war with Russia grinds on. His office, adorned with opulent gold leaf and chandeliers, stands in stark contrast to the grim realities of his wartime leadership. With his focus on Ukraine’s survival, renovations remain an afterthought.
A small private space behind his desk reflects his wartime mindset. Among personal decorations, paintings depict a Russian warship sinking, Ukrainian troops advancing on Russian soil, and a dramatic image of the Kremlin in flames—symbols of the victory he relentlessly pursues.
Tense Exchange with Trump
On February 28, Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts faced a setback during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. In widely circulated footage, Trump accused Zelensky of being ungrateful and warned that Ukraine was risking a broader conflict. “You don’t hold the cards,” Trump reportedly told him.
Zelensky, who had prepared symbolic gifts to ease tensions, instead presented photographs depicting Ukrainian prisoners of war subjected to Russian captivity. The move, intended to highlight the war’s brutal toll, appeared to exacerbate tensions. Vance dismissed Ukraine’s efforts as “propaganda tours,” underscoring skepticism among some U.S. officials about Kyiv’s diplomatic approach.
Honoring Ukraine’s Resistance
Days later, Zelensky visited Moshchun, a village that played a crucial role in stopping Russia’s advance toward Kyiv in 2022. At a memorial ceremony, he honored fallen defenders in a battlefield now lined with flags bearing the phrase “Ukraine or Death.”
The event underscored the challenge of keeping global attention on Ukraine’s war efforts as the conflict stretches on. While the battlefields of yesterday become memorials, Zelensky faces an uphill battle to sustain international engagement.
Ongoing Russian Attacks and Global Support
As Ukraine marked the anniversary of the battle, Russian forces launched another wave of drone strikes, targeting Odesa and causing widespread power outages. Among those narrowly escaping the attack was Czech President Petr Pavel, a vocal supporter of Ukraine. His train departed Odesa just minutes before the bombardment began.
During a visit to Finland, Zelensky observed the country’s extensive underground shelters designed to protect civilians from potential Russian threats. Impressed by their preparedness, he signed an agreement to develop similar structures in Ukraine.
Uncertain Future Amid Waning Support
Despite Zelensky’s diplomatic outreach, international backing for Ukraine appears to be fading. A peace summit in Switzerland last year outlined Ukraine’s Peace Formula, demanding a full Russian withdrawal and accountability for war crimes. However, leaders like Pavel acknowledge that achieving these objectives in the short term remains unlikely, raising concerns of a protracted conflict akin to Korea or Cold War-era Germany.
Recent negotiations between Zelensky and Trump centered on leveraging Ukraine’s mineral wealth to secure U.S. aid. Although an agreement was tentatively reached, tensions during their meeting prevented its finalization. Trump subsequently froze military assistance to Ukraine, further straining its battlefield capabilities.
Zelensky remains defiant despite these setbacks. “Morale depends on whether your partners stand beside you,” he said. However, as Ukraine struggles to maintain global support, the road ahead remains increasingly uncertain.
