Lyn Frans
President Donald Trump has criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he was “disappointed” that the Ukrainian leader complained about being left out of talks bewteen the US and Russia over ending the Ukraine war.
Trump also blamed Kyiv for Moscow’s invasion , expressing increased optimism about a potential agreement to end the conflict following US-Russia discussions, asserting that Ukraine could have “struck a deal” to prevent the war.
“I’m very disappointed, I hear that they’re upset about not having a seat [at the talks],” Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida when asked about the Ukrainian reaction. The US president said a “half baked” negotiator could have secured a settlement years ago “without the loss of much land”.
“Today I heard, ‘oh, well, we weren’t invited.’ Well, you’ve been there for three years … You should have never started it. You could have made a deal,” he said.
Speaking in Florida on Tuesday night, Trump increased pressure on Zelenskyy to hold elections – echoing one of Moscow’s key demands.
The US president also indicated that he might meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin before the month concludes, as Washington shifts its approach toward Russia, a move that has raised concerns among European leaders.
Earlier that day, Zelenskyy criticized the US-Russia discussions for excluding Kyiv, asserting that any efforts to resolve the conflict must be “fair” and include European nations, while also delaying his trip to Saudi Arabia, where the talks were held.
He remarked, “Talks are taking place between representatives of Russia and representatives of the United States of America. About Ukraine – about Ukraine again – and without Ukraine.”
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Zelenskyy’s remarks seemed to provoke Trump, who then launched a series of criticisms against the Ukrainian president, who has been at the forefront of Kyiv’s resistance against Russia’s invasion that began in February 2022.
When asked if the US would back Russia’s demands for Zelenskyy to conduct new elections as part of any agreement, Trump responded, “They want a seat at the table, but wouldn’t the people of Ukraine deserve a voice? It’s been a long time since we’ve had an election.”
“That’s not a demand from Russia; that’s my perspective and that of other countries.”
He continued, “We’re in a situation where elections haven’t taken place in Ukraine, where martial law is essentially in effect, and where the leader of Ukraine – I hate to say it – has a mere 4% approval rating. The country has been devastated; most cities are in ruins, and the buildings are collapsed. It resembles a massive demolition site.”
In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD aired on Tuesday, Zelenskyy defended his standing, stating, “I’m president of Ukraine because 73% of the people voted for me. I remain president because the majority in my country support me. I’m a patriot, just like those defending our nation.”
He added, “Of course, Russia wants to eliminate me. Perhaps not physically anymore, as they aimed to do at the start of the war, but politically. That’s understandable since I’m a very uncomfortable figure for Putin.”
Zelenskyy was elected in 2019 for a five-year term but continues to serve as Ukraine remains under martial law.
Sean Savett, who served as spokesperson for the White House National Security Council under President Biden, commented on social media, “It sounds like Trump has fully embraced Putin’s propaganda.”
He reminded everyone that “Putin initiated the war by invading Ukraine unprovoked, and his forces have committed war crimes against the Ukrainian people. Russia is responsible for the continuation of this war.”
European leaders are increasingly concerned that Trump is making too many concessions to Russia in his quest for a Ukraine deal that he promised to finalize even before taking office. Nonetheless, Trump maintained that his primary aim is “peace” to end the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II.
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Trump expressed he was “much more confident” about reaching a deal following the talks, stating, “They were very productive. Russia wants to take action. They want to halt the savage barbarism.”
“I believe I have the ability to end this war, and I think things are progressing well,” Trump asserted.
He also mentioned he would support European peacekeepers in Ukraine if it meant securing a deal to end the conflict. “If they want to do that, I’m all for it,” he said.
“I know France was willing to participate, and I thought that was a commendable gesture,” Trump noted, also mentioning Britain’s similar offer. He added that the US would not need to contribute “because we’re very far away.”
His remarks followed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s statement that Russia would not accept NATO peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of any peace agreement.
Trump surprised many when he announced last week that he had spoken with Putin and that both leaders had agreed to initiate peace talks and plan visits to each other’s capitals.
The US president indicated they would likely hold their first meeting in Saudi Arabia. Although no date has been set, when asked if he would meet Putin before the end of the month, Trump replied “probably.”
Meanwhile, European officials urged the US not to align with Moscow. Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, tweeted: “Together with European Foreign Ministers, I spoke to [US Secretary of State Marco Rubio] after his discussions in Riyadh. Russia will attempt to divide us. Let’s not fall into their traps. By collaborating with the US, we can achieve a just and lasting peace – on Ukraine’s terms.”
Additional Source: CNN News
