U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Ukraine, rather than Russia, is obstructing progress towards a possible peace agreement to end the ongoing war, a stance that diverges sharply from that of Washington’s European allies. Speaking to Reuters in an exclusive Oval Office interview on Wednesday, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin was “ready to make a deal,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was “less ready.”
“I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said of Putin. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.” When asked why U.S.-led negotiations had yet to yield results, he replied bluntly: “Zelenskyy.”
Tensions Over Negotiation Strategy
Trump’s comments reflected a renewed sense of frustration with the Ukrainian leader, with whom he has shared an uneasy relationship. Although ties between Washington and Kyiv appeared to stabilise during Trump’s first year back in office, his willingness to take Putin’s statements at face value has long unsettled Ukraine and several European capitals.
The remarks also come amid continued scepticism from U.S. intelligence agencies, which maintain that Putin has not abandoned his ambition to capture all of Ukraine or reassert control over territories once part of the Soviet Union. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard previously disputed those assessments, saying they overstated Moscow’s intentions.
U.S.-Led Talks and Disputed Proposals
Recent U.S.-led talks have focused on possible security guarantees for Ukraine after any peace deal, aimed at preventing future Russian aggression. Negotiators have reportedly urged Kyiv to consider relinquishing control over the eastern Donbas region as part of an agreement.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner have been leading the discussions on behalf of the United States, working with Ukrainian and European representatives. Some European diplomats, however, have voiced doubts over Putin’s willingness to accept key elements of the proposals.
Trump told Reuters he was unaware of reports that Witkoff and Kushner might travel to Moscow soon, as reported by Bloomberg. When asked whether he planned to meet Zelenskyy at next week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said, “I would if he’s there. I’m going to be there,” but offered no details.
Kyiv Firm on Territorial Integrity
Trump declined to elaborate on why he believed Zelenskyy was reluctant to advance negotiations, saying only, “I just think he’s, you know, having a hard time getting there.”
Zelenskyy has repeatedly ruled out any territorial concessions to Moscow, stressing that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits surrendering its land. His firm stance remains backed by most European governments, which argue that Russia shows little genuine intent to end its invasion.
Trump’s latest remarks are likely to deepen divisions between Washington and its European allies over how to approach peace efforts, as well as renew concern in Kyiv about the direction of U.S. policy on the war.
with inputs from Reuters
