Trump’s entourage wants Zelenskyy to leave Ukraine - New York Post
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has few if any, supporters in Donald Trump's inner circle. The damaged relationship between the two leaders threatens to undermine Ukraine's position in peace talks with Russia.
This is stated in the material of The New York Post, Censor.NET reports.
Although the deterioration in relations between Washington and Kyiv seems sudden, a source familiar with the discussions in the White House told the publication: "This is nothing new to me. I heard a few months ago that it was time for elections and new leadership."
Another interlocutor stated that "the best case for Zelenskyy and the world is for him to go to France immediately."
A White House official shared his views on Zelenskyy on condition of anonymity, saying: "Like the Pope, I am not a fan of anyone who bans churches."
This is likely a reference to the law banning the activities of religious organizations affiliated with the Russian Federation in Ukraine, which Zelenskyy signed in August.
Trump's statements about Zelensky's rating
The day before, Trump said that Ukraine needs to hold elections because Zelenskyy's approval rating has dropped to 4%.
As of the first half of February 2025, 57% of Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while 37% do not, according to a KIIS study.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the statements about his 4% rating disinformation.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump called Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections" because he allegedly convinced America to "spend $350 billion on the war."
Fossil fuel deal with the US
As a reminder, Trump has said that he wants to sign a $500 million deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on access to rare earth resources and natural gas in Ukraine in exchange for security guarantees in any potential peace settlement.
President Zelenskyy said that the agreement with the US on minerals would be signed at the ministerial level when ready and subject to guarantees. Currently, this document is not ready to protect Ukraine's interest.
Later, Trump said that Ukraine had derailed the rare earth metals deal. The agreement was needed so that the United States could recover the money spent on supporting Ukraine.
