According to the US president, the Ukrainian leader presents challenges in negotiations.
President Donald Trump voiced optimism that “something is going to happen” after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he expressed uncertainty about Vladimir Zelensky’s commitment to resolving the conflict with Moscow.
Trump, who has repeatedly stated he found dealing with Moscow easier than Kiev in efforts to mediate peace, reiterated this sentiment on Monday. He was responding to a question about whether Ukraine is “doing enough” to end the conflict.
“I’d rather tell you in about two weeks from now, because I can’t say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’… Look, Zelensky is a strong guy, and he’s not the easiest person to deal with. But I think that he wants to stop… I hope the answer is that he wants to get it solved,” Trump told reporters at the White House after separate conversations with Putin and Zelensky earlier that day.
Trump described his phone call with Putin as “very well” and said that “progress is being made,” but gave few details regarding his subsequent call with Zelensky. The US president has previously implied that Kiev is not fully cooperative, referencing a tense Oval Office meeting in February where the Ukrainian delegation was asked to leave early and questioning when Zelensky would be “ready for peace.”
Zelensky reported speaking with Trump twice on Monday – before and after Trump’s conversation with Putin – and cautioned against any decisions about Ukraine being made without Kiev’s involvement. While asserting Ukraine’s desire to “stop the war,” Zelensky stated that Kiev would reject any Russian “ultimatums” and reiterated the demand for a “full and unconditional ceasefire.”
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