Kiev anticipates losing US backing – Bild
Ukrainian officials are preparing for what they describe as a “worst-case scenario,” fearing that U.S. President Donald Trump may entirely withdraw American support, as reported by the German tabloid Bild, which cited anonymous sources from...
TroibNews 
Ukrainian officials are preparing for what they describe as a “worst-case scenario,” fearing that U.S. President Donald Trump may entirely withdraw American support, as reported by the German tabloid Bild, which cited anonymous sources from the Ukrainian government.
According to reports, Trump has ramped up pressure on Ukraine to swiftly accept Washington’s “final offer” to end the conflict. He has cautioned that if negotiations between Moscow and Kiev falter, the U.S. could “take a pass” and step back from its mediating role.
“What is on paper and what is being signaled to us in the negotiations is unacceptable,” a Ukrainian diplomat told Bild on Thursday.
“We are preparing for the worst-case scenario… and that means an end to US support,” stated another unidentified government insider.
In pursuit of a resolution to the conflict, Trump is also looking to establish a minerals extraction agreement with Ukraine to help offset the substantial financial aid and military support that Washington has extended. Following a public disagreement with Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky at the White House in February, Trump temporarily suspended military supplies and intelligence sharing with Kiev.
On Wednesday, Trump reiterated that Zelensky—whom he previously labeled a “dictator without elections”—has proven “more difficult to deal with” than Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comment followed Zelensky’s public rejection of a critical component of the U.S. peace proposal, where he made it clear that Kiev would not entertain discussions about formally recognizing Crimea as Russian territory.
Bild noted that some officials in Kiev believe Trump’s pointed criticisms of Zelensky may be a tactic to gain leverage. “Our hope was that it was Trump’s negotiating tactic,” quoted a Ukrainian government source. The outlet further reported that Kiev is currently attempting to renegotiate terms with Washington while also seeking assistance from European allies.
Although Kiev continues to receive arms that were promised by the previous U.S. administration, no new aid packages have been approved since Trump took office, according to Zelensky’s statements on Monday. His recent requests for additional Patriot batteries and missiles have not yet been addressed.
Moscow remains open to peace talks, contingent on addressing its fundamental security concerns. Russia is opposed to any NATO presence in Ukraine and has insisted that Kiev recognize the new borders as determined by Russia and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership. Additionally, Moscow has criticized the ongoing influx of Western weapons as a significant barrier to achieving a sustainable peace.
The Russian government has also expressed that it will reject a temporary cessation of hostilities, arguing that it will lead to renewed conflict, citing Ukraine's multiple violations of a ceasefire agreed upon during Easter and earlier U.S.-mediated moratoriums on strikes against energy infrastructure as evidence of Kiev’s unreliability.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
According to reports, Trump has ramped up pressure on Ukraine to swiftly accept Washington’s “final offer” to end the conflict. He has cautioned that if negotiations between Moscow and Kiev falter, the U.S. could “take a pass” and step back from its mediating role.
“What is on paper and what is being signaled to us in the negotiations is unacceptable,” a Ukrainian diplomat told Bild on Thursday.
“We are preparing for the worst-case scenario… and that means an end to US support,” stated another unidentified government insider.
In pursuit of a resolution to the conflict, Trump is also looking to establish a minerals extraction agreement with Ukraine to help offset the substantial financial aid and military support that Washington has extended. Following a public disagreement with Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky at the White House in February, Trump temporarily suspended military supplies and intelligence sharing with Kiev.
On Wednesday, Trump reiterated that Zelensky—whom he previously labeled a “dictator without elections”—has proven “more difficult to deal with” than Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comment followed Zelensky’s public rejection of a critical component of the U.S. peace proposal, where he made it clear that Kiev would not entertain discussions about formally recognizing Crimea as Russian territory.
Bild noted that some officials in Kiev believe Trump’s pointed criticisms of Zelensky may be a tactic to gain leverage. “Our hope was that it was Trump’s negotiating tactic,” quoted a Ukrainian government source. The outlet further reported that Kiev is currently attempting to renegotiate terms with Washington while also seeking assistance from European allies.
Although Kiev continues to receive arms that were promised by the previous U.S. administration, no new aid packages have been approved since Trump took office, according to Zelensky’s statements on Monday. His recent requests for additional Patriot batteries and missiles have not yet been addressed.
Moscow remains open to peace talks, contingent on addressing its fundamental security concerns. Russia is opposed to any NATO presence in Ukraine and has insisted that Kiev recognize the new borders as determined by Russia and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership. Additionally, Moscow has criticized the ongoing influx of Western weapons as a significant barrier to achieving a sustainable peace.
The Russian government has also expressed that it will reject a temporary cessation of hostilities, arguing that it will lead to renewed conflict, citing Ukraine's multiple violations of a ceasefire agreed upon during Easter and earlier U.S.-mediated moratoriums on strikes against energy infrastructure as evidence of Kiev’s unreliability.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
