Trump and Zelenskyy at odds once more as peace negotiations with Russia come to a halt
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, asserting that the Ukrainian leader's remarks about Crimea are "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia."
TroibNews
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, asserting that the Ukrainian leader's remarks regarding Crimea are "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia."
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"
On Tuesday, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is ready to engage in discussions in any format once a potential ceasefire with Russia is achieved, according to the government-run Ukrinform news agency. However, he emphasized that Ukraine will not legally acknowledge Russia's occupation of Crimea, as it conflicts with the nation's Constitution.
Trump remarked, "It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about," and added, "The situation for Ukraine is dire – He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country."
He further highlighted that Zelenskyy's comments would only serve to extend the "killing field," asserting that "nobody wants that!"
"We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," he noted.
Following weeks of a U.S.-initiated process, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt conveyed that Trump's patience was "running very thin."
Zelenskyy later acknowledged in a post on X that the London talks involving U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials were characterized by heightened emotions but expressed optimism that future collaborative efforts could lead to peace.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his trip to the London talks, leading to the cancellation of a broader meeting with foreign ministers from Ukraine, Britain, France, and Germany, which underscored existing differences between Washington, Kyiv, and European allies regarding the resolution of the conflict.
Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, mentioned on X that there were positive discussions in London with Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and stated, "It's time to move forward on President Trump's UKR-RU war directive: stop the killing, achieve peace, and put America First."
Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, is anticipated to meet with Putin again on Friday, as a U.S. official informed Reuters.
Witkoff has met Putin three times previously to discuss ending the war and is set to visit Moscow this week for a new round of discussions, according to earlier statements from the White House.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"
On Tuesday, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is ready to engage in discussions in any format once a potential ceasefire with Russia is achieved, according to the government-run Ukrinform news agency. However, he emphasized that Ukraine will not legally acknowledge Russia's occupation of Crimea, as it conflicts with the nation's Constitution.
Trump remarked, "It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about," and added, "The situation for Ukraine is dire – He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country."
He further highlighted that Zelenskyy's comments would only serve to extend the "killing field," asserting that "nobody wants that!"
"We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," he noted.
Following weeks of a U.S.-initiated process, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt conveyed that Trump's patience was "running very thin."
Zelenskyy later acknowledged in a post on X that the London talks involving U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials were characterized by heightened emotions but expressed optimism that future collaborative efforts could lead to peace.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his trip to the London talks, leading to the cancellation of a broader meeting with foreign ministers from Ukraine, Britain, France, and Germany, which underscored existing differences between Washington, Kyiv, and European allies regarding the resolution of the conflict.
Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, mentioned on X that there were positive discussions in London with Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and stated, "It's time to move forward on President Trump's UKR-RU war directive: stop the killing, achieve peace, and put America First."
Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy, is anticipated to meet with Putin again on Friday, as a U.S. official informed Reuters.
Witkoff has met Putin three times previously to discuss ending the war and is set to visit Moscow this week for a new round of discussions, according to earlier statements from the White House.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
