Desperate to show that he is doing something to mitigate the war’s impact on diesel prices, Trump made a deal with Putin to release more product into the world market. This did not go over well with the Europeans or a number of members of Congress. Even Thom Tillis has argued that the deal violates American law and should be terminated.
Zelensky, as you would expect, isn’t a fan, either. He made his opposition very clear. Trump responded by insisting that Ukraine needed a new president. His comments were not received favorably even by the opposition in Ukraine.
Zelensky has done his best under difficult circumstances to avoid provoking Trump for the last two years. Why does he think he can afford to be candid at this point in time?
Because Ukraine has largely weaned itself off American help, and he knows he has more cards to play against Trump than he did last year.