Trump frustrated by Zelenskyy's refusal to sit down at negotiating table - Waltz
Photo: National Security Advisor Michael Waltz (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump expressed concern over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's refusal to sit down at the negotiating table. The US hopes that President Zelenskyy will eventually accept the offer, stated US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz during a White House briefing.
Waltz stated that President Trump is currently very frustrated with President Zelenskyy and the fact that he has not sat down for talks or accepted the proposal that had been offered. He added that he believes Zelenskyy will eventually accept the offer, and he hopes that it will happen very soon.
At the same time, he noted that President Trump has made it clear to the Russian side that the main idea is to achieve a ceasefire.
Statements of Trump and Zelenskyy
On February 18, US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia.
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that both sides agreed to form teams to work on ending the war in Ukraine in a format acceptable to all parties.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine does not recognize any decisions made at the meeting, as its position was not considered. He also reiterated that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv has not accepted Russian ultimatums and will not change its position now.
Following the talks in Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump claimed that Zelenskyy's approval rating was only 4%. In response, the Ukrainian President stated that such figures were spread by Russia and were being discussed between the US and Russia.
Additionally, today Trump criticized Ukraine for not holding elections during the war, calling Zelenskyy "a dictator without elections."
Trump’s remarks sparked an immediate and sharp reaction from European leaders.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Trump's comments about Zelenskyy, calling them wrong and dangerous. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also responded, stating that such claims were deeply unfounded.
