Trump softens tone on Zelensky ahead of White House talks

New Delhi, Feb 28: In a surprising shift, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed “a lot of respect” for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, just a day before their scheduled meeting at the White House. BBC reported that when asked if he would apologize for calling Zelensky a "dictator," Trump claimed he could not believe he had made such a remark. He also described the Ukrainian leader as “very brave.”

Trump’s change in tone follows his talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, where they discussed efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. The U.S. president now predicts a “very good meeting” with Zelensky, adding that peace efforts are “moving along pretty rapidly.”

BBC noted that the shift comes after the Trump administration’s decision to engage in high-level discussions with Moscow—the first since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Previously, Trump had appeared to blame Zelensky for the war, suggesting he should have negotiated peace earlier.

Zelensky’s visit is expected to include a deal granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which Trump suggested could act as a deterrent against future Russian aggression. “It’s a backstop,” he said, implying that American business interests in Ukraine would discourage Moscow from further attacks.

Meanwhile, Starmer signalled the UK’s willingness to send troops as part of a peacekeeping force, provided the U.S. backs such efforts. When asked whether America would protect British peacekeepers if they faced Russian aggression, Trump responded vaguely, praising the UK’s military strength but stopping short of committing to direct support.

The Kremlin, however, remains firm. BBC quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who stated that Russia would make “no territorial concessions” to Ukraine, calling occupied regions “an integral part” of Russia.

With tensions high and diplomatic manoeuvring underway, Friday’s meeting between Trump and Zelensky could shape the future of U.S. support for Ukraine and the broader direction of the war.