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President Trump has claimed that Ukraine, not Russia, is impeding progress toward a peace agreement to end the nearly four-year conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
In an Oval Office interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Trump asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to end the war, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appears more reluctant to reach a settlement. “I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said of Putin, adding, “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”
When asked why U.S. intervention had failed to bring the conflict to a close, Trump simply responded: “Zelenskyy.” The president declined to elaborate on his reasoning, only suggesting that the Ukrainian leader was “having a hard time getting there” in reference to a peace agreement.
The president’s assessment stands in stark contrast to positions held by key European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated just days earlier on January 11 that “the onus was on Russia to show that they are interested in peace.” Von der Leyen also told Reuters that the European Union is developing plans to ensure Ukraine’s economic prosperity once the conflict ends.
Trump’s comments come amid what has been a complicated relationship with President Zelenskyy. The two leaders reportedly had a heated exchange in the Oval Office in late February 2025, when Trump pushed back against Zelenskyy’s suggestion that the United States would eventually face Russian aggression despite the geographic separation.
Despite these apparent tensions, Trump indicated he would be willing to meet with Zelenskyy at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The president also denied knowledge of reports suggesting a possible Moscow trip involving his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and White House special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The war in Ukraine continues to extract a devastating human toll. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently stated that Russia is losing approximately 25,000 troops monthly as the conflict grinds on, highlighting the immense cost of the prolonged fighting.
For his part, Zelenskyy has signaled openness to working with American officials to end the war, despite his sometimes turbulent relationship with Trump. “Work with America on security guarantees, on economic agreements, and on the political document, needs to be swift. On our end, we are being as productive as possible. We also expect energy from the American side in their work,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media platform X.
Trump’s comments reflect his administration’s evolving approach to the Ukraine conflict, which differs significantly from some European allies who continue to place responsibility on Russia for initiating and perpetuating the war. The president’s assertion that Ukraine is the party holding up peace negotiations represents a significant shift in rhetoric that could impact diplomatic efforts and international perceptions of the conflict.
As the war approaches its four-year mark, the question of how to achieve a sustainable peace agreement remains contentious, with different world leaders offering contrasting assessments of which side bears responsibility for the continued fighting. Trump’s statements suggest his administration may be pursuing a diplomatic strategy that places increased pressure on Kyiv to compromise, though specific details of any proposed settlement remain unclear.
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10 Comments
This is a complex geopolitical situation with no easy solutions. I’m curious to hear more analysis from experts on the various factors at play and the potential paths forward for peace negotiations.
I agree, it’s important to get a balanced perspective from multiple stakeholders before drawing conclusions. Oversimplifying the issues could make the situation even more challenging to resolve.
Resolving this conflict will be crucial for global economic and political stability. I’m hopeful that the key parties can find a mutually acceptable path forward, even if it requires difficult compromises.
It’s encouraging to hear that the EU is developing plans to support Ukraine’s economic recovery post-conflict. Ensuring the country’s long-term prosperity will be critical for sustainable peace.
While I respect President Trump’s perspective, I’m not convinced that placing all the blame on President Zelenskyy is fair or accurate. Both sides likely have valid concerns and demands that need to be carefully considered.
You raise a fair point. Negotiations require flexibility and compromise from all parties involved. Hopefully the key leaders can find a way to move the process forward constructively.
This conflict has huge ramifications for global commodity markets, especially energy and minerals critical for the clean energy transition. I hope the peace process can find a way to protect those strategic interests.
This conflict has major implications for global energy markets and commodity supplies. I’m curious to see how the peace process could impact mining and energy companies operating in the region.
While President Trump’s assessment may have some validity, I’m skeptical of his motivations and would want to hear perspectives from a wider range of reliable sources before forming my own opinion.
Agreed, it’s important to avoid falling into partisan narratives on this issue and instead seek out objective, fact-based analysis from neutral experts.