Trump Says Zelenskiy, Not Putin, is Holding Up Ukraine Peace Talks

Post by : Saif

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Ukraine, not Russia, is holding back a possible peace agreement to end the conflict in the country. His comments stand in contrast to the opinions of European allies, who believe that Russia has little interest in stopping its war in Ukraine.

In an interview with Reuters from the Oval Office, Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to settle the nearly four-year conflict. According to the U.S. president, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been more hesitant to make a deal.

“I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said, referring to Putin. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.” When asked why U.S.-led negotiations have not yet succeeded, Trump simply responded: “Zelenskiy.”

The two leaders have had a complicated and sometimes tense relationship, though there have been signs of improvement since Trump returned to office. Some European leaders and U.S. lawmakers have been frustrated by Trump’s willingness to accept Putin’s statements at face value, even as intelligence reports suggest Moscow still aims to control parts of Ukraine and regain influence over former Soviet territories.

Recent U.S.-led talks have focused on security guarantees for Ukraine after the war. These talks aim to ensure that Russia does not invade again if a peace deal is signed. U.S. negotiators have reportedly pressed Ukraine to give up control of the Donbas region as part of any potential agreement.

Ukraine has been deeply involved in these discussions. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have led the U.S. team. Some European officials have expressed doubt that Putin will accept certain terms agreed on recently by Kyiv, Washington, and European leaders.

Trump also mentioned a possible meeting with Zelenskiy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He said he would meet the Ukrainian president if he is present, but no plans have been finalized.

When asked why he thought Zelenskiy is hesitant, Trump said, “I just think he’s, you know, having a hard time getting there,” without offering more details. Zelenskiy has publicly ruled out giving up Ukrainian territory, saying the country’s constitution does not allow any land to be surrendered.

This situation highlights the complex and tense nature of negotiations to end Europe’s largest conflict since World War Two. While Trump sees progress possible, European allies remain cautious about Russia’s willingness to make lasting concessions.

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