Trump Claims Zelensky Is Not Seeking Peace While Putin Is
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Synopsis
US President Donald Trump asserts that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not genuinely pursuing peace, while claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to end the conflict. The two leaders experienced a tense exchange regarding US support and Zelensky's gratitude during their meeting.
Key Takeaways
- Trump criticizes Zelensky's approach to peace.
- Claims Putin is willing to negotiate an end to the war.
- Zelensky stresses the need for security guarantees before peace talks.
- The meeting ended with heightened tensions and accusations of ingratitude.
- Zelensky acknowledges the sensitivity of the situation for Ukraine.
Washington, March 1 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has remarked that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is “not a man that wanted to make peace”, while asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin desires to conclude the conflict.
“He doesn't need to constantly speak negatively about Putin,” Trump stated regarding Zelensky in comments to the press as he departed the White House, emphasizing that the Ukrainian leader must express a desire for peace.
In contrast, Trump mentioned, “Putin is going to want to make it, he wants to make it, he wants to end it.”
Trump's remarks followed a prior meeting with Zelensky that escalated into a tense debate over the extent of US assistance and whether Zelensky had adequately shown appreciation.
When questioned about the possibility of halting military support to Ukraine, Trump replied: “It doesn't matter what I'm considering. I'm just telling you: You saw what I saw today. That was not a man that wanted to make peace, and I'm only interested if he wants to end the bloodshed.”
Trump further stated, “He (Zelensky) claims he wants to come back right now, but I can't do that... They should have an immediate ceasefire... A ceasefire could take place immediately. If you want to end the war, you sign an agreement that's going to take a period of time. It takes time. I want it to end immediately, and I think if you had a ceasefire, it would be a ceasefire, a real one that would end it. He doesn't want to do that... I want it to end immediately. I want a ceasefire now. He (Zelensky) says, oh, I don't want a ceasefire. Well, all of a sudden he is a big shot because he has the US on his side. Either we're going to end it or let him fight it out, and if he fights it out, it's not going to be pretty easy as without us, he doesn't win.”
Zelensky's meeting with Trump concluded on a sour note on Friday, as the two leaders engaged in a heated discussion before the international media at the White House regarding the war and a ceasefire with Russia.
Zelensky appeared on Fox News on Friday night, acknowledging that his public disagreement with Trump and Vance was “not good for both sides.” However, he emphasized that Trump -- who asserts that Putin is ready to bring the three-year war to an end -- must recognize that Ukraine cannot abruptly change its position toward Russia.
He added that Ukraine will not participate in peace discussions with Russia unless it secures guarantees to avert future assaults.
“It's so sensitive for our people,” Zelensky commented.
“And they just want to hear that America (is) on our side, that America will remain with us. Not with Russia, with us. That's it.”
Zelensky regarded the Oval Office meeting as an opportunity to convince the US not to align with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initiated the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Nevertheless, US President Trump and Vice-President Vance criticized Zelensky, accusing him of “disrespect” and further straining relations with Kyiv's crucial wartime ally.
Initially, Trump and Zelensky conversed amicably, even expressing mutual admiration during the first half an hour of their meeting.
However, tensions escalated when Zelensky raised concerns about trusting Putin's promises to conclude the war.
The atmosphere of the dialogue shifted rapidly, with Zelensky becoming defensive as Trump and Vance accused him of ingratitude, warning about the future of US support.
“It's going to be a very hard thing to do business like this,” Trump told Zelensky as they spoke over each other about previous international aid for Ukraine.
Vance interjected, saying, “Again, just say thank you.”
Zelensky countered, asserting that he had expressed his appreciation “a lot of times” to the American people and the President.
After departing the White House, Zelensky reiterated his gratitude on social media, stating:
“Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
