President Donald Trump stated in an audio interview with Fox News on Friday that he does not believe it is necessary for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be present at negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump suggested that Zelensky has been ineffective in the three years he has been in office and lacks leverage in the talks with Russia.
During a gathering with US governors at the White House, Trump emphasized that he has had more productive conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin than with Ukrainian leaders. He also criticized Ukraine for not having any bargaining power in the negotiations.
This statement comes as tensions between Kyiv and Washington escalated after Trump initiated talks with Moscow over ending the conflict, leaving Ukraine and European allies feeling marginalized. Recent discussions between Russian and top diplomats in Saudi Arabia excluded representatives from Kyiv, further fueling the perception of Ukraine being sidelined.
Trump’s comments drew backlash from Ukrainian officials, with the president labeling Zelensky as a “dictator” and falsely accusing Ukraine of initiating the war. Despite Ukraine’s objections, Trump defended his decision to exclude Zelensky from the negotiations, citing the lack of progress made in the past three years.
The situation underscores the strained relationship between the US and Ukraine as they navigate the ongoing conflict in the region. It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact efforts to reach a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
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