U.S. President Donald Trump has said Ukraine, rather than Russia, is delaying a possible peace agreement to end the war, a view that contrasts sharply with that of many European allies who believe Moscow has little interest in ending the conflict.
In an exclusive interview in the Oval Office, Trump told Reuters that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to bring the nearly four-year-old war in Ukraine to an end, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy remains more reluctant.
“I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said of Putin. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”
Asked why U.S.-led negotiations have so far failed to end the largest land war in Europe since World War Two, Trump replied simply: “Zelenskiy.”
The comments reflect renewed frustration with the Ukrainian leader. Trump and Zelenskiy have had a strained relationship in the past, although ties appeared to improve during Trump’s first year back in office.
At times, Trump has been more inclined to accept Putin’s assurances than leaders of some U.S. allies, a stance that has unsettled Kyiv, several European capitals, and members of the U.S. Congress, including some Republicans.
Recent U.S.-led talks have centred on security guarantees for Ukraine after the war, aimed at preventing any future Russian invasion. As part of the discussions, U.S. negotiators have reportedly urged Ukraine to give up its eastern Donbas region in a potential agreement with Russia.
Ukrainian officials have participated in the talks, which on the U.S. side have been led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Some European officials, however, have voiced doubts about whether Putin would accept certain terms being discussed by Kyiv, Washington, and European leaders.
Trump said he was unaware of any planned trip to Moscow by Witkoff and Kushner, despite earlier reports suggesting such a visit. Asked whether he would meet Zelenskiy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said he would do so if the Ukrainian president attends, although no plans have been confirmed.
When questioned on why he believes Zelenskiy is holding back from negotiations, Trump declined to elaborate, saying only: “I just think he’s, you know, having a hard time getting there.”
