Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy, Pushes for Ukraine Elections and Deal with Russia
Former US President Donald Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for complaining about being excluded from talks between the US and Russia over ending the Ukraine war. Trump also appeared to blame Kyiv for Moscow's invasion, claiming Ukraine could have "made a deal" to avert war.
Trump's remarks came after Zelenskyy criticized the US-Russia talks for excluding Ukraine, saying efforts to end the war must be "fair" and involve European countries. Zelenskyy also postponed his trip to Saudi Arabia, where the US-Russia talks took place.
Trump responded by launching a series of attacks on Zelenskyy, who has led Kyiv's fight against Russia's February 2022 invasion. Trump questioned Zelenskyy's popularity and suggested that he could meet Russian President Vladimir Putin before the end of the month as Washington overhauls its stance towards Russia.
European leaders are increasingly fearful that Trump is giving too many concessions to Russia in his pursuit of a Ukraine deal. However, Trump insisted that his only goal was "peace" to end the largest land war in Europe since the second world war.
"They were very good. Russia wants to do something. They want to stop the savage barbarianism."
The US leader added that he was "all for" European peacekeepers in Ukraine if he can strike a deal to end the war. He also said that the US would not have to contribute "because, you know, we're very far away".
His comments came after Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said his country would not accept Nato peacekeeping forces in Ukraine under any peace deal.
Trump stunned the world when he announced last week that he had spoken to Putin, and that the two leaders had agreed to start peace talks and to travel to meet each other in Moscow and Washington.
The US president then said they would hold a first meeting, most likely also in Saudi Arabia. Although no date has been announced, when asked if he would met Putin before the end of the month, Trump said "probably".
"Together with European Foreign Ministers, I spoke to [US secretary of state Marco Rubio] after his talks in Riyadh. Russia will try to divide us. Let's not walk into their traps. By working together with the US, we can achieve a just and lasting peace – on Ukraine's terms.
9 Comments
Muchacha
“It’s disheartening to see Trump take shots at Zelenskyy instead of supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom. This just fuels division and misinformation.”
Fuerza
“Trump isn’t afraid to stir controversy in search of peace. Re-examining our strategies and factoring in alternative paths could be the breakthrough we need.”
Manolo Noriega
“By attacking Zelenskyy, Trump risks prolonging the conflict. European leaders and Ukraine deserve better than divisive, baseless finger-pointing.”
Ongania
“Even if his words are divisive, the fact that Trump is pushing for discussions about ground realities and Ukraine’s political choices is worth considering.”
Manolo Noriega
“I can’t believe Trump is suggesting Ukraine could negotiate their way out of an invasion. That’s oversimplifying a deeply complex crisis.”
Bella Ciao
“His approach might be unconventional, but sometimes peace requires unconventional thinking. It’s high time we talked about all possible solutions, no matter how provocative.”
Mariposa
“Trump’s comments only blur the lines of responsibility. Blaming Ukraine instead of acknowledging Russia’s invasion is misleading and irresponsible.”
ArtemK
“If resilient leadership means asking tough questions, then Trump’s remarks are a necessary disruption. We need open debates on how to secure lasting peace.”
Habibi
“Blaming Kyiv for the conflict is not only simplistic—it’s a gross distortion of the facts. Every nation invaded by Russia deserves solidarity.”