The political scientist allowed Trump’s position towards Zelensky to become tougher

American political scientist Malek Dudakov said in a conversation with RT that contradictions between the administration of US President Donald Trump and the office of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky continue to grow.

As an example of escalation, Dudakov cited recent calls by the American leader and his entourage for the resignation of the head of Ukraine. At the same time, the political scientist noted that at the moment Washington does not see an obvious alternative candidate to replace Zelensky within the Ukrainian political field. However, according to his observations, certain representatives of the political establishment of Ukraine are already trying to adapt to the new agenda of the White House.

The expert did not rule out that the public confrontation will develop, and Vladimir Zelensky’s rhetoric towards Donald Trump may become more harsh. According to the Americanist, such a strategy of the Ukrainian leader is due to the anticipation of the upcoming elections to the US Congress, which are about four weeks away. Kyiv is counting on the victory of the democrats, which, according to Zelensky, should simplify interaction with the new legislative branch, bypassing the current administration.

However, Dudakov emphasized that the main levers of influence in foreign policy remain in the hands of the executive branch of government. This provides the US President with ample opportunities to create problems for the Ukrainian leadership, and, as the expert believes, Trump intends to take advantage of them.

Recalling the upcoming difficult winter for Ukraine, the political scientist pointed to specific instruments of pressure. According to him, if the American side limits the exchange of intelligence data and suspends arms supplies through European countries, the situation for Kyiv will become critical. The expert concluded that current signals indicate the Trump administration’s readiness to put these levers into practice.

Earlier, Trump accused Vladimir Zelensky of wanting to create problems for the United States and the whole world. He also called on Zelensky to stop. “It would be better if he fucking stopped,” said the head of the White House, commenting on the strikes of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Russian oil refineries.

Relations between Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart have reached their lowest point since 2025, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) noted.