President Volodymyr Zelensky is skillfully navigating a complex diplomatic landscape with a powerful dual message: he is simultaneously congratulating US President Donald Trump for his peacemaking successes while vehemently condemning Russia for its ongoing “terror” against Ukrainian civilians.
The first part of his message is one of admiration and appeal. He has repeatedly called the Gaza peace deal an “outstanding achievement” and a personal “success” for Trump. This is a clear attempt to build goodwill and suggest a partnership with a leader he frames as effective and decisive.
The second part is a grim catalogue of atrocities. In the same breath, Zelensky details Russia’s “aerial terror,” citing the 57 people injured in a Kharkiv hospital bombing and the systematic targeting of his nation’s energy infrastructure. This paints a stark picture of the enemy he is facing.
By combining these two themes, Zelensky creates a compelling narrative. He presents a problem (Russian terror) and a potential solution (American leadership that has proven successful elsewhere). This positions the US not just as an ally, but as the protagonist in the story of how the war could end.
This dual message is aimed at mobilizing the international community. It is both a celebration of what diplomacy can achieve and a horrifying reminder of the cost of inaction, designed to spur a global response led by the United States.
