Donald Trump has been accused of “profoundly naive” diplomacy that risks legitimising Vladimir Putin‘s aggression and pressuring Ukraine into concessions, following his Florida meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky. Yuriy Boyechko, CEO and founder of Hope for Ukraine – a non-profit delivering humanitarian aid to war-torn Ukrainians – slammed Mr Trump’s approach as dangerously detached from reality.
The stark warning comes after Mr Trump’s Sunday summit with Mr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, billed as a push towards ending Russia‘s nearly four-year invasion, but overshadowed by critics’ view that the US president’s sympathetic portrayal of Putin. Mr Trump confirmed a “good and very productive” phone call with the Russian leader hours before meeting Mr Zelensky, and planned another afterwards.
Mr Boyechko branded this sequencing alarming, arguing it elevates the aggressor to equal status while sidelining the victim.
He said: “This treats Putin as a co-partner whose approval is needed, signalling to Kyiv that peace will come on Moscow’s terms – not international law.”
Concerns escalated at the joint press conference, where Mr Trump insisted Putin “wants to see the war end” and was “very generous” towards Ukraine succeeding, even pledging Russian help with reconstruction via cheap energy and electricity.
Mr Boyechko dismissed these claims as fantasy or Kremlin propaganda, noting Russian forces had unleashed hundreds of drones and missiles on Kyiv just days earlier, crippling power in freezing conditions.
He said: “The idea that Putin – architect of Europe’s largest land grab since World War II – now seeks to benevolently rebuild Ukraine is absurd. It hands Putin narrative control and burdens Kyiv with concessions.”
Mr Zelensky reportedly rolled his eyes, chuckled and appeared befuddled at Mr Trump’s remarks, underscoring Ukraine’s predicament: facing a mediator echoing the invader’s line.
Mr Trump has urged a swift deal, implying Ukraine should settle now to avoid further territorial losses, especially in Donbas – a key flashpoint.
Mr Boyechko warned this pressures the victim for quick unfavourable terms, rewarding aggression and eroding security guarantees Kyiv demands.
Both leaders voiced optimism, with Mr Trump saying talks were “a lot closer – maybe very close” and Mr Zelensky hailing “great” discussions with security guarantees nearly sealed.
However, Donbas territory and ceasefire sequencing remain unresolved, with no public Russian concessions.
Mr Boyechko, whose organisation has provided millions in aid amid relentless attacks, insisted true mediation requires recognising Putin’s aim: a subjugated Ukraine, not a thriving one.
He concluded: “A process premised on Putin as sincere partner is doomed. It ignores his imperial goals, letting Moscow dictate terms and entrench gains.”
As 2025 ends with intensified Russian strikes, Mr Boyechko suggested clear-eyed diplomacy was needed rather than what he regards as appeasement.
