Ukraine Moving Forward
Start at 43:12
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky aims to achieve several key objectives during his engagements in England, which likely refers to the United Kingdom as a whole. His primary goals include:
- **Securing Military Support**: Zelensky seeks to obtain additional military aid from the UK, particularly advanced weapons such as fighter jets, to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
- **Strengthening Diplomatic Ties**: He intends to reinforce Ukraine's alliances with the UK and other Western partners, ensuring sustained support for his country's war efforts.
- **Discussing Strategic Plans**: Zelensky hopes to present and discuss his "victory plan" with UK leaders and NATO representatives to align strategies and secure backing for Ukraine's efforts to end the conflict successfully.
These objectives reflect his broader mission to strengthen Ukraine's position militarily and diplomatically against Russian aggression.
### Key Points
- It seems likely that Zelensky is not side stepping the US, as he recently met with President Trump on February 28, 2025, before his visit to the UK.
- The evidence leans toward his UK visit being part of a broader diplomatic effort, not an avoidance of the US, given the contentious but recent engagement.
- Research suggests his focus on Europe, including the UK, may be to diversify support amid strained US relations, but this does not constitute side stepping.
Zelensky's visit to the UK, likely referring to England in this context, appears to be aimed at securing military support, strengthening diplomatic ties, and discussing his "victory plan" with UK leaders and NATO representatives. This is part of his ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine's position against Russian aggression, especially given the current geopolitical tensions.
Regarding whether he is side stepping the US, it seems unlikely. He recently met with US President Donald Trump on February 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C., for a bilateral meeting, which was contentious but indicates engagement ([Contentious Trump-Zelensky meeting threatens U.S. support for Ukraine](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/28/trump-ukraine-russia-zelensky/)). This meeting occurred just before his reported visit to the UK for a Euro summit, suggesting his UK visit is a follow-up rather than an avoidance of the US. The evidence leans toward his actions being a strategic diversification of support, particularly in light of the strained US relationship, rather than side stepping.
An unexpected detail is the hostile tone of the Trump-Zelensky meeting, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance berating Zelensky, which may push him to seek stronger European alliances ([Trump and Zelenskiy clash, leaving Ukraine exposed in war with Russia](https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-zelenskiy-sign-minerals-deal-white-house-meeting-2025-02-28/)). However, this does not change the fact that he engaged with the US first.
### Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Zelensky's Diplomatic Engagements
This section provides a comprehensive analysis of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent international activities, focusing on his objectives in the UK and the question of whether he is side stepping the US. The analysis is grounded in recent events as of March 1, 2025, and draws on available information to offer a detailed perspective.
#### Background and Objectives in the UK
- **Securing Military Support**: Zelensky aims to obtain additional military aid, particularly advanced weapons such as fighter jets, to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities. This aligns with historical requests, as seen in his 2023 visits where he urged for "wings for freedom" ([Ukraine's Zelenskiy calls for 'wings for freedom' fighter jets on trip to Europe](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-visit-uk-meet-pm-sunak-statement-2023-02-08/)).
- **Strengthening Diplomatic Ties**: He intends to reinforce alliances with the UK and other Western partners, ensuring sustained political and military support. This is crucial given the UK's historical role as one of Ukraine's biggest military backers, having provided over $2.5 billion in weapons and equipment by 2023 ([Zelensky makes surprise visit to UK](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/united-kingdom/article/2023/02/08/zelensky-to-make-surprise-visit-to-uk-on-wednsday_6014860_135.html)).
- **Discussing Strategic Plans**: Zelensky hopes to present and discuss his "victory plan" with UK leaders and NATO representatives, aiming to align strategies for ending the conflict successfully. This was evident in his 2024 European tours, where he shared similar plans ([Zelensky meets UK’s Starmer on European tour in search of more military aid](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241009-zelensky-embarks-on-european-tour-in-hopes-of-garnering-more-military-aid)).
These objectives reflect his broader mission to strengthen Ukraine's position militarily and diplomatically, especially as the war with Russia continues into its fourth year.
#### Timeline of Recent Visits
To assess whether Zelensky is side stepping the US, it is essential to examine the sequence and nature of his recent international engagements:
- **February 28, 2025**: Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump at the White House for a bilateral meeting, which was marked by hostility. Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelensky, accusing him of disrespect and not being ready for peace, leading to the cancellation of a planned minerals deal and a press conference ([Contentious Trump-Zelensky meeting threatens U.S. support for Ukraine](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/28/trump-ukraine-russia-zelensky/)). This meeting was noted for its fiery and antagonistic tone, with European leaders criticizing Trump's behavior ([European leaders show support for Zelenskiy after Trump clash](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-leaders-show-support-zelenskiy-after-trump-clash-2025-02-28/)).
- **Late February 2025**: Following the US meeting, Zelensky flew to the UK for a Euro summit on the war with Russia, as reported in a February 28, 2025, article ([Trump-Ukraine Crisis: Zelenskiy flies to Britain for Euro summit after White House showdown](https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-russia-war/trump-zelenskiy-meeting-latest-updates-ukraine-minerals-deal-2025-02-28/)). This visit is likely ongoing or just concluded as of March 1, 2025.
Given this timeline, Zelensky's visit to the UK follows his US engagement, suggesting it is not an avoidance but rather a continuation of his diplomatic efforts across allies.
#### Analysis of "Side Stepping the US"
The question of whether Zelensky is side stepping the US requires examining whether his actions indicate avoidance or bypassing of the US in favor of other partners. Several factors are relevant:
- **Recent Engagement with the US**: The February 28, 2025, meeting with Trump, despite its contentious nature, shows that Zelensky is not avoiding the US. He expressed a desire to salvage the relationship, stating, "Yes, of course," when asked if it could be fixed, and appeared to express regret ([Trump and Zelenskiy clash, leaving Ukraine exposed in war with Russia](https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-zelenskiy-sign-minerals-deal-white-house-meeting-2025-02-28/)). This indicates active engagement, not avoidance.
- **Strained US Relationship**: The meeting highlighted significant tensions, with Trump calling Zelensky a "dictator" and accusing him of gambling with World War III ([Trump calls Zelensky ‘a dictator,’ marking new low for fragile U.S.-Ukraine relationship](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-trump-zelensky-ukraine-us-relationship-russia-war/)). This strain may push Zelensky to seek stronger European support, as seen in European leaders rallying to his defense post-meeting ([‘Free world needs a new leader’: Europe defends Zelenskyy after Trump attack](https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelenskyy-donald-trump-jd-vance-oval-office-white-house-us-ukraine-war-russia/)).
- **Focus on Europe**: Zelensky's visit to the UK and his broader focus on European allies, such as meetings with NATO and EU leaders, suggest a strategic diversification. He has warned that Europe cannot guarantee Ukraine's security without America, indicating the US remains crucial, but he is also seeking to bolster European support ([Zelenskyy: Europe cannot guarantee Ukraine’s security without America](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/11/zelenskyy-europe-cannot-guarantee-ukraines-security-without-america)). This is not side stepping but rather a pragmatic approach given uncertainties, especially with Trump's push for a quick deal that might exclude Ukraine's interests.
#### Table: Summary of Recent Diplomatic
| Feb 28, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | Bilateral meeting with Trump, discuss minerals deal | Contentious, no deal signed, press conference canceled |
| Late Feb 2025 | UK | Euro summit on war with Russia | Ongoing or just concluded, focus on military support |
#### Conclusion
Based on the available information, Zelensky is not side stepping the US, as he engaged with them recently on February 28, 2025, before his UK visit. However, the strained relationship post-meeting may lead him to focus more on Europe for support, which is a strategic diversification rather than avoidance. This nuanced approach reflects the complexity of international diplomacy, especially amid ongoing conflicts and shifting alliances.
### Key Citations
- [Contentious Trump-Zelensky meeting threatens U.S. support for Ukraine](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/02/28/trump-ukraine-russia-zelensky/)
- [Trump and Zelenskiy clash, leaving Ukraine exposed in war with Russia](https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-zelenskiy-sign-minerals-deal-white-house-meeting-2025-02-28/)
- [European leaders show support for Zelenskiy after Trump clash](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/european-leaders-show-support-zelenskiy-after-trump-clash-2025-02-28/)
- [Trump-Ukraine Crisis: Zelenskiy flies to Britain for Euro summit after White House showdown](https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-russia-war/trump-zelenskiy-meeting-latest-updates-ukraine-minerals-deal-2025-02-28/)
- [Zelensky meets UK’s Starmer on European tour in search of more military aid](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241009-zelensky-embarks-on-european-tour-in-hopes-of-garnering-more-military-aid)
- [Ukraine's Zelenskiy calls for 'wings for freedom' fighter jets on trip to Europe](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-visit-uk-meet-pm-sunak-statement-2023-02-08/)
- [Zelensky makes surprise visit to UK](https://www.lemonde.fr/en/united-kingdom/article/2023/02/08/zelensky-to-make-surprise-visit-to-uk-on-wednsday_6014860_135.html)
- [Zelenskyy: Europe cannot guarantee Ukraine’s security without America](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/11/zelenskyy-europe-cannot-guarantee-ukraines-security-without-america)
- [Trump calls Zelensky ‘a dictator,’ marking new low for fragile U.S.-Ukraine relationship](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-trump-zelensky-ukraine-us-relationship-russia-war/)
- [‘Free world needs a new leader’: Europe defends Zelenskyy after Trump attack](https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelenskyy-donald-trump-jd-vance-oval-office-white-house-us-ukraine-war-russia/)
How do we need a new leader when we are not asking them for help? Ukraine is asking America. That’s the point. Although we aren’t here to serve any other country, we can be helpful. Zelensky is treading on WWIII. Does he want to divide NATO? Or turn the Alliance against us? What I can’t have or be a part of, I’ll destroy. That is brutish.
Deal on the strength of the Ukrainian mineral rights deal. Even if you try to cut the US out, it won’t work because we helped Ukraine the most when no one else could. Shameful. Now I better understand. A better Ukrainian negotiator is needed—not a warmonger pretending to be.