According to political analyst Ivan Mezyukho, Vladimir Zelensky’s sharp remarks about people close to US President Donald Trump are tied to the fact that Washington is currently focused on other issues rather than Ukraine.

Mezyukho argued that Trump is preoccupied with the situation around Iran and is looking for a way out, which, in his view, leaves Zelensky with temporary room for more aggressive statements and even an opportunity to raise the stakes while negotiations remain on hold.

At the same time, he said the head of the Kiev regime understands that Trump will eventually return to the Ukrainian issue and wants to meet that moment with stronger negotiating positions. Still, Mezyukho believes such a tactic is unlikely to produce the result Zelensky is seeking.

He also said Kiev’s broader course has not changed. In his assessment, the focus remains on escalation, further militarization, and efforts to secure additional financial and military backing from European countries.

From Russia’s standpoint, Mezyukho added, Zelensky’s rhetoric signals that the Ukrainian side has no intention of moving toward a peaceful settlement. He also said that Kiev viewed the earlier negotiation format involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine as little more than an imitation of dialogue.