Kathrine Frich
Donald Trump once promised he could end the war in Ukraine within a single day,
But after months of high-level talks and diplomatic efforts, confidence in Washington’s role appears to be fading.
Now, frustration is growing in Kyiv as concerns mount over how the US is handling negotiations with Moscow.
Growing doubts
According to analysis by George Titus Albulescu cited by Ziare, Ukrainian trust in the United States has declined amid concerns that Washington is no longer acting as a balanced mediator.
Under the previous Biden administration, officials insisted on the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” ensuring Kyiv remained central to any negotiations.
That approach appears to have shifted, with critics arguing the current strategy risks sidelining Ukrainian interests.
Moscow focus
US envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly traveled to Moscow eight times since March 2025 for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but has not visited Kyiv.
This imbalance has raised questions in Ukraine about the direction of US diplomacy.
Russian officials have also referenced what they call the “Anchorage agreement,” suggesting a potential framework discussed between Trump and Putin during a past meeting.
Following talks, Putin said: “We hope that the agreement we have reached will bring us closer to this goal and open the way to peace in Ukraine.”
Trump responded positively but indicated that negotiations were still ongoing.
“It’s really up to [Ukrainian] President Zelensky to get it done,” he later said in an interview.
Territorial tensions
One of the most contentious issues remains the future of Donetsk province.
Russia currently controls around 75% of the region and is pushing for full control, while Ukraine continues to resist.
Reports suggest proposals have included recognizing Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk as effectively Russian territory, though the origins of such plans remain disputed.
Polling cited in the analysis shows declining confidence in the US among Ukrainians.
Around 70% do not expect US-led negotiations to succeed, while only 28% consider the United States a reliable partner.
A senior Ukrainian diplomat warned that the country risks “losing” the United States as a strategic ally.
Sources: Ziare.com, Brookings
