US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to give up any territory to Russia. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he “disagrees very, very severely” with Zelensky’s approach to the war, which has now lasted over three years.
“I get along with Zelensky, but, you know, I disagree with what he’s done. Very, very severely disagree. This is a war that should have never happened,” Trump said, according to The Hill.
Trump Plans Meeting with Putin in Alaska
In an effort to end the conflict, Trump announced last week that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. The agenda will reportedly include discussions on a possible territorial swap “for the betterment of both” countries — a proposal Zelensky firmly rejected over the weekend.
Zelensky Firm on Protecting Ukrainian Land
Zelensky made it clear Ukraine will not hand over territory.
“Of course, we will not give Russia any awards for what it has done. The Ukrainian people deserve peace,” he said. “All partners must understand peace, and Ukrainians will not give their land to an occupier.”
Trump Frustrated with Zelensky’s Refusal
Trump expressed irritation over Zelensky’s position, especially on the need for constitutional approval for a land deal. “He’s got approval to go into war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap,” Trump remarked. He insisted the swap would be “for the good of Ukraine,” but admitted the plan was complex due to “very uneven” borders.
Ceasefire Proposal from Moscow
Trump’s comments followed a visit by his special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow last week. During the meeting, Putin reportedly suggested a ceasefire that would require Ukraine to withdraw its troops from Donetsk, allowing Kremlin control there and in Luhansk.
Zelensky Not Invited to Alaska Summit
Zelensky will not attend the upcoming Alaska talks. However, Trump said he hopes for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin afterward with or without his own presence.
“We’re going to have a meeting with Vladimir Putin, and at the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I’ll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made,” Trump said. “Ultimately, I’m going to put the two of them in a room… and I think it’ll get solved.”
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