By Charles Switzer
4:25pm PST, Mar 7, 2025
Zaluzhnyi's Stark Warning
Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's former armed forces chief and current ambassador to Britain, did not hold back in his criticism of U.S. foreign policy, stating that Washington, D.C.'s decisions are undermining the global order.
Speaking at London's Chatham House, he accused the United States of weakening Western unity and abandoning its role as a stabilizing force. His remarks come as President
Volodymyr Zelensky attempts to repair relations with Washington after a tense Oval Office confrontation with President
Donald Trump a week ago today.
Zaluzhnyi argued that while Russia is actively trying to reshape global power dynamics, it is ultimately the United States that is dealing the final blow to the established order. "It's obvious the White House has questioned the unity of the whole Western world," he shared. "Because we see that it's not just the axis of evil and Russia trying to revise the world order, but the U.S. is finally destroying this order."
Here's where matters currently stand.
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Trump's Hardline Stance: Freezing Aid to Force Peace Talks
The growing rift between Ukraine and the United States intensified after Trump halted military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. The move is widely seen as an attempt to pressure Zelensky into negotiations with Russia, despite Ukraine's insistence that any peace deal should not come at the cost of territorial concessions.
Unlike the former
Joe Biden admin, Trump's refusal to provide security guarantees for Ukraine has also raised alarms in European capitals, where leaders have expressed concerns that the U.S. is retreating from its commitment to supporting Kyiv.
While Trump maintains that his focus is on achieving peace, critics argue that cutting off aid could leave Ukraine vulnerable to Russian advances.
A Renewed Commitment to Ukraine
In response to Trump's actions, European leaders like British PM
Keir Starmer and French President
Emmanuel Macron have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, vowing to boost defense spending and increase military assistance. Many in Europe view America's shifting stance as a potential turning point that could force the EU to take on a greater leadership role in countering Russian aggression.
While the U.S. has played a key role in supplying weapons and financial assistance, European officials are now discussing long-term strategies to ensure Ukraine remains equipped for the fight ahead.
Amid these developments, Ukrainian officials continue to call for concrete security guarantees, fearing that their country's future is becoming a bargaining chip in larger geopolitical negotiations.
Zaluzhnyi's Political Future: A Challenge to Zelensky?
Zaluzhnyi remains one of Ukraine's most respected figures, having led the country's defense during the first two years of
Russia's full-scale invasion that started in February 2022. His rising popularity has led to speculation that he could challenge Zelensky in future elections, though he has made no formal announcements about political ambitions.
Elections in Ukraine remain suspended under martial law, but as dissatisfaction grows over Ukraine's military setbacks and shifting international support, Zaluzhnyi's influence could shape the country's political landscape. For some observers, his recent remarks suggest he is willing to take a more vocal role in critiquing both Ukrainian and Western leadership.
Ukraine's Fight for Security Continues
Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions, Ukraine continues to demand concrete security guarantees from its allies. Zaluzhnyi stressed that Ukraine "should avoid the role of bargaining chip in any negotiations," emphasizing the need for long-term commitments rather than short-term political maneuvering.
With Russia controlling roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory and making steady gains in the east, Ukrainian leaders are increasingly wary of being pushed into an unfavorable settlement thanks in part to
Trump's suspension of aid. As debates over military aid and diplomatic strategies continue, Ukraine's leaders are reportedly fighting not only for their country's survival but also to ensure their nation's sovereignty is not sacrificed in the name of political expediency.
