Trump Slams Ukraine’s ‘Zero Gratitude’ as Controversial Peace Plan Faces Backlash
President Donald Trump took aim at Ukrainian leadership on Sunday, blasting the government in Kyiv for what he called a lack of appreciation for U.S. efforts to bring an end to the war with Russia. His remarks come just days after the White House revealed a 28-point peace framework that critics have branded a “Russian wishlist.”
Posting to Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS, AND EUROPE CONTINUES TO BUY OIL FROM RUSSIA. THE USA CONTINUES TO SELL MASSIVE $AMOUNTS OF WEAPONS TO NATO, FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UKRAINE (CROOKED JOE GAVE EVERYTHING, FREE, FREE, FREE, INCLUDING ‘BIG’ MONEY!)”
The president’s comments reflect rising frustration within the administration over both Kyiv’s posture and Europe’s ongoing energy trade with Moscow, even as the West maintains sanctions on Russian banks and officials.
Ukraine Responds with Measured Thanks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded hours later with a carefully worded statement thanking Trump personally for early support.
“Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump for the assistance that – starting with the Javelins – has been saving Ukrainian lives,” Zelensky said on X.
Notably, Zelensky did not endorse the proposed peace deal and used his message to reiterate Ukraine’s position:
“It was Russia, and only Russia, that started this war, and it is Russia, and only Russia, that has been refusing to end it throughout the full-scale invasion.”
Controversial Peace Framework Under Fire
The Trump-backed 28-point plan, which was introduced by White House and Pentagon officials last week, seeks to broker a ceasefire, freeze battle lines, and begin phased negotiations over Crimea and the Donbas. Critics in Kyiv and Warsaw have labeled the proposal appeasement, with some NATO officials privately expressing concern that it would reward Moscow’s aggression and hand over de facto control of occupied regions.
European diplomats have also voiced unease over what they view as Washington’s desire to rapidly wind down the war ahead of the 2026 U.S. election season.
Trump’s Frustration with NATO and Europe
Trump’s post also targeted NATO and European nations for continuing to purchase Russian oil while relying on American arms and leadership.
The president has long been critical of European energy dependency on Russia, and his administration has urged a full embargo and increased pressure on Moscow’s remaining revenue streams.
While Zelensky’s reply struck a diplomatic tone, the tensions underscore growing divergence between Kyiv’s war aims and Washington’s strategic objectives as the conflict enters its third year.
What’s Next
The peace proposal is still in early diplomatic stages, but the divide over gratitude, strategy, and sovereignty suggests that brokering a deal acceptable to all parties will be a steep uphill climb — and one that could define the next chapter of Trump’s second term foreign policy.