WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that Ukraine, not Russia, is holding up a potential peace agreement to end the war, a stance that contrasts sharply with the position of many European allies who argue that Moscow has shown little genuine interest in ending the conflict.
“I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”
When asked why US-led negotiations have yet to produce a breakthrough, Trump replied simply: “Zelenskyy,” indicating growing frustration with the Ukrainian leader.
Trump’s remarks suggest he is increasingly inclined to accept Putin’s assurances at face value, a posture that has unsettled Kyiv, several European capitals, and lawmakers in the United States, including members of his own Republican Party.
