Trump claims Ukraine holds up peace deal, not Russia
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
Donald Trump said that Ukraine, not Russia, is holding up a potential peace deal, according to an interview with Trump given to Reuters.
"I think he's ready to make a deal," Trump said of the Russian president. "I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal."
Asked why US-led negotiations have so far failed to resolve Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, Donald Trump replied: "Zelenskyy."
As Reuters notes, Trump’s remarks point to a renewed sense of frustration with the Ukrainian leader. Relations between the two presidents have long been volatile, although their interaction appeared to improve during the first year of Trump’s return to office.
Trump also said he was unaware of any possible future trip by US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow, which had earlier been reported by Bloomberg.
When asked whether he would meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week, Trump said he would but suggested that no concrete plans were in place yet.
"I would - if he's there," Trump said. "I'm going to be there."
Asked why he believed Zelenskyy was holding back on negotiations, Trump did not elaborate, saying only, "I just think he's, you know, having a hard time getting there."
Reuters recalled that Zelenskyy has publicly ruled out any territorial concessions to Moscow, stating that under Ukraine’s Constitution Kyiv has no right to give up any part of its territory.
Davos meeting
Kyiv’s allies in the G7 are set to meet with Trump in Davos next week in an effort to secure his personal backing for security guarantees for Ukraine after a ceasefire.
Officials said talks are underway regarding the details of a meeting scheduled for January 21, which could also include other leaders from the so-called Coalition of the Willing. According to officials, national security advisers from the coalition are also planning a separate meeting.
Witkoff and Kushner trip to Moscow
Witkoff and Kushner were planning to travel to Moscow in the near future to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The trip could take place as early as this month, although the plans are not final and timelines may change due to developments in Iran, where large-scale unrest has continued for more than two weeks. A White House official said, however, that no such meeting is currently scheduled.
