Zelensky Blocking Ukraine Peace Deal, Putin Ready to End Invasion: Trump
The US president contrasts European views, highlighting Moscow's alleged interest in resolving the nearly four-year conflict.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Ukraine, rather than Russia, is holding up a potential peace agreement to end the ongoing war, marking a sharp departure from the position taken by many of America’s European allies. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Reuters at the Oval Office, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin was prepared to bring the conflict to an end, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remained hesitant.
Trump stated that Putin was ready to conclude what he described as Russia’s nearly four-year-old invasion of Ukraine, suggesting that the primary obstacle to negotiations lay with Kyiv. He added that Zelenskyy appeared more reluctant to move forward with a deal, a view that underscores Trump’s growing frustration with the Ukrainian leadership.
The remarks contrast strongly with assessments from European governments, which have repeatedly argued that Moscow has shown little genuine interest in ending the conflict. Western leaders have maintained that Russia continues to pursue military objectives in Ukraine and has failed to offer credible commitments toward a lasting peace.
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Trump’s comments reflect a broader shift in rhetoric from the White House, as he continues to push for a negotiated settlement to the war. He has previously argued that prolonged fighting benefits neither side and has suggested that US involvement should focus on facilitating an agreement rather than sustaining an open-ended conflict.
The war in Ukraine has remained one of the most significant geopolitical crises in Europe in decades, reshaping global security dynamics and straining relations between Russia and the West. Trump’s latest statements are likely to spark debate among US allies and further complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
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