Zelensky salutes heroism of people, as world leaders fly in for summit amid Trump threats

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv: Reuters

Ukraine began its fourth year of all-out war with Russia, hosting European and world leaders for a summit. The meeting comes amid fears it can no longer rely on its staunchest ally, the United States. Donald Trump denounced Volodymyr Zelensky last week as an unpopular “dictator” who needed to cut a quick peace deal or lose his country, while the Ukrainian leader said the U.S. president was living in a “disinformation bubble”.

Beyond the war of words, US officials opened direct talks with the Russian side in Saudi Arabia last week, shutting out Kyiv and Europe in a stunning change of policy on the war. Washington has made clear it will not send troops as a security guarantee coveted by Kyiv if a peace deal emerges, placing the burden on European powers that are likely to struggle without U.S. backing.