U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Ukraine, rather than Russia, is slowing progress toward a peace agreement to end the war, a view that contrasts sharply with the position of many European allies who believe Moscow has little interest in ending the conflict.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters at the Oval Office, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to bring the nearly four-year war to an end, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy remains 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.-brokered talks have yet to end the largest land war in Europe since World War II, Trump responded bluntly: “Zelenskiy.”
The comments reflect renewed frustration with the Ukrainian leader. Trump and Zelenskiy have had a strained relationship in the past, although relations appeared to improve during Trump’s first year back in office.
At different times, Trump has shown greater willingness to accept Putin’s assurances than some U.S. allies, a stance that has unsettled Kyiv, several European capitals, and members of the U.S. Congress, including within Trump’s own Republican Party.
Recent U.S.-led negotiations have centered on post-war security guarantees for Ukraine to deter any future Russian invasion. As part of these talks, American negotiators have reportedly urged Ukraine to give up its eastern Donbas region as part of a potential settlement with Russia.
Ukrainian representatives have participated in the discussions, which on the U.S. side are being led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, some European officials have questioned whether Putin would agree to certain terms being discussed by Kyiv, Washington, and European partners.
Trump said he was not aware of any plans for Witkoff and Kushner to travel to Moscow, despite earlier reports suggesting such a visit. He also said he would be open to meeting Zelenskiy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, if the Ukrainian president attends, though no meeting has been scheduled.
When asked to explain why he believes Zelenskiy is hesitating, Trump declined to elaborate, saying only: “I just think he’s, you know, having a hard time getting there.”