U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday for stating that an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine remains “very, very far away.” The remarks come amid mounting pressure from Trump allies for Zelenskyy to alter his approach or step aside, as Trump prioritizes a swift resolution to the conflict.
Tensions between the two leaders hit a low after a contentious White House meeting, where Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance rebuked Zelenskyy for lacking gratitude toward U.S. support since Russia’s 2022 invasion. “This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump declared on Truth Social regarding Zelenskyy’s comments in London. Later, he warned, “If somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long.”
Zelenskyy remained reserved on European-led peace efforts, stating, “Until they are on paper, I would not like to talk about them in great detail.” He added that diplomacy must be “really substantive” to end the war as soon as possible.
Trump’s national security adviser questioned whether Zelenskyy is a viable negotiating partner moving forward. Meanwhile, former U.S. intelligence official Angela Stent suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin sees the widening U.S.-Ukraine rift as an advantage, believing the West will grow increasingly divided.
European nations, led by Britain and France, are stepping up efforts to broker peace. The U.K. confirmed multiple ceasefire proposals, with France suggesting a one-month truce to gauge Russia’s intentions. French President Emmanuel Macron hinted at European troop deployment under a ceasefire, though Moscow rejected the idea. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Europe to take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense, while Germany’s incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that Zelenskyy’s White House confrontation was a premeditated move.
Zelenskyy insists that any ceasefire must include Western security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression, a stance Trump refuses to support.
Source: Swifteradio.com
