US President Donald Trump told Reuters that Ukraine, not Russia, is holding up a potential peace deal, contradicting European allies’ claims that Moscow is unwilling to end its war.
In an exclusive Oval Office interview on Wednesday, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to conclude his nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine, while Kyiv has been more hesitant.
“I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said of the Russian president. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”
When asked why US-led negotiations had not yet resolved Europe’s largest land conflict since World War Two, Trump replied simply:
“Zelenskiy.”
Trump’s remarks suggested renewed frustration with the Ukrainian leader. The two presidents have had a volatile relationship, though interactions appear to have improved over Trump’s first year back in office.
At times, Trump has been more willing to accept Putin’s assurances at face value than some US allies, frustrating Kyiv, European capitals, and even US lawmakers, including Republicans.
After several fits and starts, US-led talks have recently focused on security guarantees for a post-war Ukraine, ensuring Russia would not invade again after a potential peace deal. Negotiators have pushed Kyiv to consider abandoning its eastern Donbas region as part of any accord.
Trump told Reuters he was not aware of a potential upcoming Moscow trip by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, reported by Bloomberg earlier.
Asked if he would meet Zelenskiy at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week, Trump said he would, if the Ukrainian president attends:
“I would – if he’s there,” Trump said. “I’m going to be there.”
Asked why Zelenskiy was holding back on negotiations, Trump did not elaborate, saying:
“I just think he’s, you know, having a hard time getting there.”
Zelenskiy has publicly rejected any territorial concessions to Moscow, stating that under Ukraine’s constitution, the country has no right to give up any land.
Reuters
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