U.S.-Ukraine tensions escalate and Ralph Yarl shooter Andrew Lester dies: Morning Rundown
NBCFEB 22
Trump's Ukraine Envoy Meets Zelenskyy Amid Spat With US
Above: Retired Gen. Keith Kellogg (L), US Pres. Donald Trump's special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R) meet in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Maxym Marusenko/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Zelenskyy needs to have a long, hard look at this latest agreement and acknowledge that, after all the US has done for Ukraine, it was unacceptable for him to disrespect President Trump and see that this is a great deal for Ukraine. Not only will it unlock great potential for both countries — if the US is invested in Ukraine's resources — it's the best way to guarantee American security.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Zelenskyy had a good discussion with Kellogg in which they discussed the battlefield situation, effective security guarantees, and the agreement on rare earth minerals. Zelenskyy understands that strong relationships are needed with the US so he has instructed his team to work as diligently as possible on reaching an agreement.