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US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, expressing that he does not consider Zelensky’s involvement essential in the negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump noted that he had engaged in “good talks” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but had not communicated with Ukraine, as the United States seeks a resolution to the protracted war that has lasted three years. Nevertheless, the US president later emphasized that both Zelensky and Putin must “come together” to conclude the hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump’s comments represented a notable change in his previous stance, where he labeled Zelensky as a “dictator without elections” in response to the Ukrainian leader’s dissatisfaction over his exclusion from discussions involving US and Russian officials. “I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings,” Trump stated in an audio interview with Fox News. “He has been there for three years. He makes it very hard to make deals,” he further remarked.
The president contended that Ukrainian officials possess no leverage in negotiations. He stated, “I have engaged in very productive discussions with President Putin, whereas my conversations with Ukraine have not been as fruitful. They lack any negotiating power, yet they adopt a tough stance. However, we will not allow this situation to persist,” he remarked to US governors at the White House on Friday.
Earlier this week, Russian diplomats and their counterparts convened in Saudi Arabia to deliberate on a ceasefire, with Ukraine notably excluded from the discussions.
Tensions escalate between Trump and Zelensky
The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has further deteriorated, with Trump labeling the Ukrainian leader a “dictator” and erroneously asserting that Ukraine initiated the conflict.
“He expresses dissatisfaction over not being included in our meeting with Saudi Arabia aimed at facilitating peace,” Trump stated during his Fox News interview, asserting that Zelensky has been engaged in negotiations for three years without achieving any results.
While addressing reporters at the White House, Trump indicated that Kyiv might soon finalize an agreement that would provide the US with preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral resources.
They exhibit remarkable courage in every conceivable manner. However, we are allocating our resources to a nation that is exceedingly distant,” Trump stated regarding Ukraine.
As reported by AFP, Trump has advocated for Ukraine to grant American companies access to its extensive natural resources as a form of compensation for the substantial financial aid extended during the Biden administration. In return, Ukraine is reportedly seeking security guarantees from the United States. President Zelensky, who has previously dismissed such conditions, expressed optimism for a “just outcome” on Friday.
Trump also directed criticism at French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, both of whom are scheduled to visit the White House next week for significant discussions. He accused them of not taking effective measures to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Macron indicated on Friday that he would remind him that “one cannot exhibit weakness with President Putin.”
“They have not taken any action. Macron is a friend of mine, and I have met with the Prime Minister, who is a very pleasant individual (but) no one has accomplished anything,” Trump remarked.
