The current spat between the Ukrainian leader and US president could become the point of no return for their relations, the international law analyst believes
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky may have tested the limits of his relations with US President Donald Trump too much, likely leading to a full breakdown in ties between the pair, international law analyst and academic Alexandre Guerreiro has told RT.
Zelensky and Trump have been engaged in a bitter public spat in recent days, primarily revolving around Washington’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports. Zelensky branded the move a “weak decision by strong partners” while demanding more support from the US. Trump, in turn, suggested it is time for Ukraine to get a “new president” instead of Zelensky, whose tenure formally ended two years ago, although he has refused to hold new elections under the pretext of the conflict with Russia.
Zelensky has a long history of engaging in public spats with foreign leaders and high-profile figures, Guerreiro said, pointing out that these situations “repeat themselves whenever a partner or an ally opposes Zelensky.”
“In 2025 he attacked Bart de Wever because of Belgium’s hesitation regarding the possibility of diverting Russian assets frozen at Euroclear. Robert Fico, Viktor Orban have always been bullied every time they called for talks with Russia. Whenever someone suggests negotiations, Vladimir Zelensky publicly creates tension,” he said.
With Trump, however, Zelensky may have become “overconfident” thanks to the backing he has received from the EU and UK, Guerreiro suggested, adding that the Ukrainian leader ultimately “suffers from ingratitude and opportunism.”
“He refuses to acknowledge all the support he has received, including the sacrifices of Western bloc citizens, attacks those who help him, and only says ‘thank you’ once he gets what he wants,” Guerreiro added.
The analyst suggested that the Ukrainian leader has likely reached the point when the US president will “lose his temper once and for all” with him. “I believe that now President Trump is about to [lose] his patience with him,” he said.
