The publication reminds that after a sharp dispute at the White House in February 2025, when D. Trump effectively ended the meeting with V. Zelenskiy, now both leaders regularly meet and talk. Their latest meeting this week took place in Washington, where the Ukrainian president came to the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
Before that, D. Trump and V. Zelenskiy met at the NATO summit in Ankara. There, the US president, who a year and a half ago called the Ukrainian leader a “dictator,” stated he was ready to grant licenses to Ukraine to produce its own Patriot missile defense systems, although he later expressed doubts about this idea.
One of the most unexpected episodes the publication names is V. Zelenskiy’s meeting in Kyiv with US far-right activist Laura Loomer. She was previously accused of spreading Russian propaganda narratives, but after her visit to Ukraine, she stated she realized she had been misled by Russian propaganda. According to her, she also discussed her new perspective by phone with D. Trump.
Ukraine offered not aid to itself, but aid to the US
Experts quoted by “The Guardian” believe that the most important factor in the White House’s change of attitude towards Ukraine was still the conflict with Iran.
Over more than three years of war, Ukraine has gained significant experience fighting Iranian-made Shahed drones, so now it can offer the US and its allies not only experience but also technological solutions.
The publication also notes that V. Zelenskiy consciously seeks to emphasize the connection between Russia’s war against Ukraine and the US-Iran conflict.
Experts also see risks
However, analysts warn that such a strategy may also have negative consequences. In their assessment, the closer linking of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the US conflict with Iran increases the risk of a broader confrontation.
Moreover, although D. Trump’s attitude towards V. Zelenskiy has recently become more favorable, a significant portion of MAGA movement supporters continue to view foreign wars and large military aid to Ukraine skeptically.
Matt Duss, vice president of the Center for International Politics, also warned that Ukraine’s attempts to help D. Trump on the Iran issue could weaken Kyiv’s position in Europe.
“Trying to get closer to Israel in the war against Iran essentially weakens Ukraine’s position because Israel is effectively trying to do to the Palestinians what Russia tried to do to Ukrainians – erase them as a nation,” said M. Duss.
It was previously reported that Laura Loomer, considered one of the closest figures to D. Trump’s circle, visited Ukraine, where she met with V. Zelenskiy, gave an interview with the new Ukrainian defense minister, and participated in several public events. According to “The New York Times,” this visit could become a turning point in Ukraine’s efforts to convince the US conservative camp to support Kyiv more actively.
