Dark clouds over Ukraine: What is Trump planning next?

Dark clouds over Ukraine: What is Trump planning next?

After the chaotic Press event In the Oval Office between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, it seemed as if the fears of many Ukrainians were turning into relief, at least for a moment. Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zelezhnyak tweeted: “There is good news: they didn’t argue.” A direct conflict scenario like the heated shouting duel in February was averted.

Reactions from Ukraine

“I expected much worse,” said MP Oleksandr Merezhko in an interview with CNN. "The tone has changed. Trump wasn't negative. The impression is that the presidents are used to each other." Maryan Zablotsky, another MP and vice-chair of the US-Ukraine parliamentary group, was also impressed by the quick support from European partners: “Everyone gathered so quickly – some even interrupted their vacation.”

Comparison with Alaska Peak

These optimistic signals are in stark contrast to the gloomy mood after the Alaska summit. Many Ukrainians feared that the friendship between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had flared up after the lavish reception given to Putin during his visit to Alaska. Trump's angry posts on Truth Social in the early hours of the morning - in which he claimed Zelensky could end the war on Russia "almost immediately if he wanted to" - caused additional concern. Before the meeting, Trump appeared to be in an ominously bad mood.

The meeting in the Oval Office

But when Trump left the White House and greeted Zelensky with a broad smile and a warm handshake, the gloomy impression suddenly seemed to disappear. In the rather chaotic meeting with journalists in the Oval Office, both presidents avoided treading on rhetorical minefields. Everything seemed fine.

Questions about the substance of the conversations

Despite the positive external appearance, many questions remain unanswered. “How can you negotiate peace without a ceasefire, without a ceasefire, when the situation on the front is constantly changing?” Merezhko asked. “When conditions change, it is difficult to negotiate.” The night before, Russia fired more than 140 drones and three ballistic missiles into Ukraine, resulting in at least 10 deaths, including an 18-month-old baby and a 15-year-old boy.

The funeral service for a fallen soldier

On Monday, CNN attended the funeral of David Chichkan, a popular Kiev artist who was killed on the front lines by a Russian drone. Hundreds of friends, relatives, admirers and comrades paid homage as the coffin was ceremoniously carried to Independence Square. Ukrainian and army flags waved in the cool morning wind. Mourners hugged each other while some wept silently.

Frustration with the American administration

In the grief, all we heard was frustration and resentment toward an American administration seen as fickle and unreliable. “After thousands of deaths in this war, it feels like we are being betrayed,” said mourner Oleksandra Grygorenko. Many here feel disgust at the idea that the price of peace with Russia could be the loss of large swathes of Ukrainian land.

Looking into the future

The next stage is talks between Trump, Putin and Zelensky. It has been suggested that this could possibly happen as early as Friday. Previous attempts to bring Putin to the negotiating table have failed. Zelensky has agreed to meet. Will the meeting actually take place?

Fears about Trump's unpredictability

And hanging over the entire Trump-led diplomatic push to end the war is concern that the unpredictable American president could change his mind again. Journalist Kristina Berdynskykh summed it up: "I have a prediction: Everything will be great in the White House. Between Zelensky and Trump. Between Trump and the Europeans. Between Zelensky, Trump and the Europeans. And then Trump will call Putin and everything will change a hundred times again."