Zelensky Holds Phone Call with Trump
Trump Warns Russia of High Tariffs
Ukraine Replaces Prime Minister
On July 14 (local time), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump and expressed his gratitude for President Trump's decision to supply weapons to Ukraine.
President Zelensky wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that "I spoke with (President Trump) of the United States. It was a very good conversation," adding, "I appreciate that (President Trump) is willing to support Ukraine, wants to stop the loss of life, and is committed to continued cooperation to establish lasting and just peace."
President Zelensky went on to say, "President Trump shared in detail the contents of his meeting with (NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte)," and wrote, "It is important that NATO countries are working to increase their defense spending."
President Zelensky also added, "I discussed with President Trump the essential means and solutions to provide better protection for our people against Russian attacks." He continued, "I thank you, Mr. President (referring to President Trump), and I thank the United States."
On the same day, President Trump announced plans to supply offensive weapons to Ukraine through NATO during his meeting with Secretary General Rutte at the White House. President Trump also warned that if Russia does not agree to a settlement to end the war within the next 50 days, he will impose "harsh" tariffs as sanctions.
As U.S. military support for Ukraine ushers in a new phase of the Russia-Ukraine war, President Zelensky nominated Yulia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, as the new Prime Minister. Svyrydenko played a leading role in natural resource negotiations with the Trump administration.
On X, President Zelensky wrote, "I have proposed to Yulia Svyrydenko to lead the Ukrainian government and to carry out a major overhaul of government operations," adding, "I look forward to the presentation of the new government's action plan."
President Zelensky explained that this reshuffle is aimed at "renewing" the government. This announcement comes as Russian airstrikes and frontline retreats continue and ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked.
The New York Times (NYT) reported that political analysts believe President Zelensky's motivation for replacing the prime minister is not only to refresh the atmosphere or consolidate power amid mounting wartime fatigue, but also includes other political reasons.
Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported that Prime Minister Shmyhal had formed his own network of connections within the bureaucratic community in an attempt to keep the president in check, which led President Zelensky to become wary.
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