Trump Claims Putin Wants Ukraine Deal While Accusing Zelensky of Resistance
Zelensky Calls Trump’s Russian Diesel Sanctions Decision Weak Amid Tensions
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said Moscow wanted an agreement and asserted that Putin had expressed a strong desire for a settlement during their phone conversation on Friday.
Trump also questioned Zelensky’s decision not to hold a presidential election since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He argued that an election should take place and claimed the Ukrainian leader had previously missed opportunities to resolve the conflict.
The remarks came amid renewed tensions between Trump and Zelensky over Washington’s approach to Russia and the ongoing war. The two leaders exchanged criticism after the United States moved to ease restrictions affecting Russian diesel supplies.
Trump accused Zelensky of disregarding his instructions against striking Russian oil refineries. He warned that such attacks could further aggravate global fuel supply pressures amid the ongoing US-Israeli war involving Iran.
Zelensky, meanwhile, criticised Washington’s decision concerning Russian diesel, describing it as a weak move. His response reflected Kyiv’s concerns about measures that could ease economic pressure on Moscow while the conflict continues.
Trump’s latest comments have again highlighted differences between Washington and Kyiv over the path towards ending the war. However, his account of Putin’s position represents the US president’s characterisation of their conversation and does not, by itself, establish that a peace agreement is imminent.
The dispute over sanctions, refinery attacks and possible political compromises underscores the continuing challenges facing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
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