NYT: Trump’s Ukraine policy shift led Zelenskyy toward talks with Moscow

US President Donald Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ultimately pushed the latter away from demanding sweeping US security guarantees and nudged him toward considering cease-fire talks with Moscow, a guest essay published by The New York Times suggests. 

According to the essay, Trump began his approach to trans-Atlantic relations with what some viewed as a constructive shift in the discourse surrounding the war in Ukraine. Despite drawing widespread criticism, Trump broke with established taboos by openly raising the possibility of a diplomatic compromise to end the war — a step described by the essayist as both necessary and pragmatic, Caliber.Az cites. 

The essay notes that Trump’s administration acknowledged early on that Ukraine was unlikely to regain all its lost territory or achieve NATO membership — statements that were seen not only as concessions to Russia, but also as acknowledgments of geopolitical realities.

However, the author criticises Trump’s confidence in his ability to swiftly broker peace. The president initially claimed he could end the war in 24 hours, later extending that timeline to 100 days, and most recently, to 50 days. The essay characterises this evolving deadline as a reflection of impatience rather than a realistic or strategic commitment.

Looking ahead, the piece concludes that Trump faces a fundamental choice: either continue supporting Ukraine with military aid and intelligence — a move that could pressure Russia into negotiations — or withdraw support entirely, a step that could leave Kyiv dangerously vulnerable.

By Sabina Mammadli