Former President Donald Trump's recent criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been countered by praise from a key envoy, highlighting the growing rift between the two leaders. Trump recently referred to Zelenskyy as a "dictator without elections" on social media, prompting a response from Keith Kellogg, Assistant to the President and Special Presidential Envoy for Russia and Ukraine during the Trump administration.

Following a meeting with Zelenskyy and his national security team, Kellogg tweeted his admiration for the Ukrainian president, calling him a "courageous leader" of a nation at war. This public display of support contrasts sharply with Trump's increasingly critical stance on Zelenskyy's leadership.

The photograph above depicts Zelenskyy greeting Kellogg in Kyiv in February 2025, amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. This meeting took place during a period of heightened tension between Trump and Zelenskyy.

Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for a swift resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has criticized the ongoing US aid to Ukraine. He believes that he is uniquely positioned to negotiate peace between the warring nations. In contrast, he has accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict for personal gain.

This escalating disagreement between Trump and Zelenskyy underscores the complex relationship between the two countries, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the White House has not yet commented on the situation, the public exchange between Trump and Kellogg highlights the differing perspectives within the political landscape.