United States President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting that 'he is not essential' to negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump disclosed that he had held “good talks” with Russian President Vladimir Putin but had not engaged in similarly productive discussions with Ukraine.
He maintained that Zelensky’s involvement was not critical to peace negotiations.
“I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings,” Trump remarked in an audio interview with Fox News. “He has been there for three years. He makes it very hard to make deals.”
Later, however, Trump stated that both Putin and Zelensky would ultimately need to “get together” to reach a resolution to the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump-Zelensky tensions escalate
The remarks represent a continuation of Trump’s increasingly confrontational stance towards Zelensky, whom he had previously referred to as a “dictator with elections” after the Ukrainian leader criticised his country’s exclusion from peace discussions between US and Russian officials.
Trump also suggested that Ukraine lacked leverage in the negotiations, stating, “They don’t have any cards, but they play it tough. But we are not going to let this continue.”
Also read: Trump calls Zelensky a 'dictator,' blames Kyiv for war start
His comments come after high-level diplomatic talks were held in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, during which Russian and Western officials discussed a potential ceasefire. Ukraine was not invited to participate in these discussions.
Ukraine’s mineral wealth and US interests
Trump further suggested that Ukraine should provide American companies with access to its substantial mineral deposits in exchange for the extensive financial assistance the US has provided since the war began.
“They are very brave, in every way you can imagine. But we are spending our treasure on some country that’s very, very far away,” Trump said.
According to AFP, Ukraine is seeking security assurances from Washington in exchange for relinquishing control over its mineral resources.
Zelensky, who had previously dismissed such an arrangement, stated on Friday that he remained hopeful for a “fair result.”
Trump criticises European leaders
Trump also took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, both of whom are scheduled to visit the White House next week.
“They haven’t done anything. Macron is a friend of mine, and I have met with the Prime Minister and he’s a very nice guy (but) nobody’s done anything,” he said.
Macron, addressing the media, insisted that he would make it clear to Trump that “you can’t be weak with President Putin.”
Meanwhile, UK opposition leader Ed Davey has accused Trump of orchestrating a “stitch-up” with Putin, describing it as a betrayal of Ukraine.
He has urged Starmer to challenge Trump’s stance on Ukraine openly.
Also read: Trump living in Russian 'disinformation space': Zelenskyy
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