Janice R. Andrews
Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, has launched a scathing critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of “destroying the world order” by making concessions to Russia. Speaking at a Chatham House conference, Zaluzhnyi, a former Ukrainian military chief, warned that Washington’s recent moves toward Moscow pose a “huge challenge” to global stability and questioned the future of NATO amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Zaluzhnyi’s remarks come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky seeks to mend ties with Trump following a highly publicized fallout. European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are working to strengthen alliances but have urged Kyiv to take steps to regain U.S. support. Trump’s recent address to Congress hinted at easing tensions, praising Zelensky for his commitment to peace. However, the former president’s policies, including freezing military aid to Ukraine and halting intelligence sharing, have raised alarms in Kyiv.
The Kremlin has seized on these developments, claiming U.S. policy now aligns with Russian interests. Putin’s allies have even stated that Trump has not demanded concessions in peace talks, further fueling concerns in Ukraine. Zaluzhnyi criticized the U.S. for attempting to meet Russia “halfway,” calling it a disastrous mistake. He warned that such actions not only embolden Moscow but also risk dismantling the Western-led world order.
The Ukrainian envoy also expressed fears about NATO’s future, suggesting that the alliance’s unity is under threat. He pointed to the U.S. decision to pause cyber operations against Russia and oppose a UN resolution condemning Russian aggression as evidence of a troubling shift. Zaluzhnyi cautioned that Europe could become Moscow’s next target if the West continues to appease the Kremlin.
The diplomatic spat has broader implications for global politics. A recent YouGov poll revealed a significant decline in Trump’s popularity among Britons, with his favorability rating dropping to minus 57. In contrast, Zelensky’s approval has surged, with 71% of Britons now viewing him favorably. The shift is particularly pronounced among Reform UK voters, highlighting the growing divide in public opinion.
As Ukraine grapples with the challenges of fighting Russian aggression without U.S. support, Zaluzhnyi’s comments underscore the high stakes of this geopolitical tug-of-war. The envoy’s stark warnings serve as a reminder of the fragile state of international alliances and the potential consequences of appeasing authoritarian regimes. With the world order at a crossroads, the actions of key players like the U.S. and NATO will shape the future of global security.
For now, Ukraine remains steadfast in its resistance, but the absence of robust Western support could have far-reaching implications. As Zaluzhnyi aptly put it, “The US is finally destroying this order,” leaving the world to grapple with the fallout.
