Washington, D.C.: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that he is “not a man who wants to make peace” following a tense exchange in the Oval Office. The meeting, which was expected to strengthen diplomatic ties, instead turned into a heated discussion over the ongoing war with Russia.
Trump Pushes for Immediate Ceasefire, Zelenskyy Stands Firm
During the meeting, Trump expressed his strong desire for an immediate ceasefire, arguing that the war in Ukraine should be brought to an end as soon as possible. However, Zelenskyy did not agree to Trump’s proposed approach, leading to a visible disagreement between the two leaders.
Following the exchange, Zelenskyy left the White House earlier than scheduled, skipping a press conference and a planned agreement signing related to critical minerals.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said:
“He (Zelenskyy) says he wants to return right now, but I can’t do that… There should be an immediate ceasefire. If you want to end the war, you sign an agreement, and that takes time.”
Trump further added:
“I want this war to end immediately. If a real ceasefire happens, it would stop the fighting right away. But Zelenskyy doesn’t want to do that.”
Trump Suggests U.S. Support Influences Zelenskyy’s Position
Trump suggested that Zelenskyy’s stance is shaped by the military and financial support Ukraine receives from the U.S., stating:
“He has the U.S. on his side, and that makes him confident. Either we are going to end the war, or we let him fight it out. But without us, he doesn’t win.”
Trump also criticized Zelenskyy for his approach to diplomacy, saying:
“That is not a man who wants to make peace. I am only interested if he wants to stop the bloodshed. He should stop talking negatively about Putin all the time and focus on achieving peace.”
Trump Emphasizes Negotiation as the Only Path Forward
According to Trump, Zelenskyy does not hold the stronger position in negotiations, making a peace deal the most realistic option. He stated:
“We are not going to keep fighting forever. Either we bring the war to a close, or they fight it out. Zelenskyy has to realize that he does not have the upper hand. A deal is the only way to stop the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.”
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who was present at the meeting, urged Zelenskyy to prioritize diplomacy, stating that Ukraine must appreciate Trump’s efforts to prevent its complete defeat.
Zelenskyy Responds: Ukraine Seeks Just and Lasting Peace
In response to Trump’s remarks, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to peace. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace, and we are working towards that.”
The diplomatic fallout from the Oval Office meeting raises questions about future U.S.-Ukraine relations and the role of American support in the ongoing war.
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