US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s comments on the ongoing war with Russia, describing Zelensky’s assertion that a peace agreement remains distant as “the worst statement” he could make. Trump warned that America “will not put up with it for much longer,” emphasizing the need for Zelensky to be more appreciative of US military aid. Meanwhile, Zelensky insisted that genuine peace requires security guarantees, reflecting on past failures that allowed Russia to invade. As tensions rise, discussions for a truce are taking place, with concerns over sidelining Ukraine in negotiations with Russia.
Washington:
US President Donald Trump cautioned on Monday that he would “not tolerate” much longer Volodymyr Zelensky’s approach regarding the war with Russia, as the Ukrainian leader expressed his desire to conclude it “as soon as possible.”
In a further indication of deteriorating relations after their recent confrontation at the White House, Trump criticized Zelensky’s claim that a resolution to the conflict was still far off, calling it “the worst statement that could have been made” by him.
“America will not tolerate it for much longer,” Trump declared on social media.
This statement followed Zelensky’s accusations against Russia — which commenced its invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and significantly escalated hostilities in 2022 — for lacking sincerity in pursuing peace.
Zelensky emphasized the necessity of robust security guarantees to bring an end to the conflict.
However, Trump’s criticisms of Zelensky have jeopardized US support for Ukraine and raised concerns among Washington’s allies about a potential shift towards Russia.
During an event at the White House later that day, Trump intensified his threats, suggesting that Zelensky “won’t be around very long” if a ceasefire agreement with Moscow is not reached.
Trump urged Zelensky to be “more appreciative” of the billions in military assistance that Washington has provided in Kyiv’s struggle against Russia.
He did, however, express optimism that a minerals deal, which collapsed last week due to the dispute, could be revived, downplaying reports of a possible halt to military aid.
– European support –
“Now, perhaps someone doesn’t want to strike a deal, and if that is the case, I think that person won’t be around much longer,” Trump remarked.
Following the weekend’s crisis discussions in London, Britain and France are exploring the possibility of proposing a one-month truce applicable “in the air, at sea, and on energy infrastructure” — possibly supported by ground troops.
Zelensky indicated that talks are still centering on the “initial steps,” noting: “An agreement to end the war is very, very far away,” a remark that provoked Trump’s ire.
In a video statement on Monday, Zelensky asserted that “genuine, honest peace” would only be achievable with security guarantees for Ukraine, which agreed to denuclearize in 1994 in return for protective assurances from the United States and Britain.
“The absence of security guarantees for Ukraine 11 years ago permitted Russia to initiate the occupation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbas, and subsequently allowed Russia to launch a full-scale invasion,” Zelensky explained.
Russia dismissed his assertions, accusing him of lacking a genuine interest in peace — echoing US criticisms after he was criticized in the Oval Office on Friday.
On the ground, Ukrainian officials noted casualties resulting from a Russian missile attack on a military training site located approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the front line.
A well-known military blogger reported that between 30 and 40 soldiers were killed and 90 others injured in the strike near Dnipro on Saturday.
– ‘Deliberate escalation’? –
Trump has previously labeled Zelensky, who has held the presidency since 2019, a “dictator” for not holding elections, despite martial law prohibiting any voting due to the ongoing war.
Zelensky dismissed calls for his resignation, reiterating that he would only consider it if Ukraine was granted NATO membership, a stance opposed by Russia — and now the United States under Trump.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attributed Friday’s White House altercation to Zelensky’s actions, stating he “exhibited a complete lack of diplomatic ability.”
“He does not want peace,” Peskov told reporters.
Conversely, Friedrich Merz, Germany’s prospective next chancellor, described the remarkable clash as a “deliberate escalation” by Trump.
US and Russian officials have engaged in discussions aimed at ending the war, provoking outrage in Ukraine and Europe for being excluded from talks, and fueling concerns in Kyiv and beyond that any agreements could jeopardize the country’s future.
Zelensky incited criticism from Trump and Vance by expressing doubts about whether Russia could be trusted to adhere to a ceasefire.
French President Emmanuel Macron indicated to daily newspaper Le Figaro that an initial truce would not, at least in the beginning, encompass ground battles, as the extent of the fluctuating front line would complicate enforcement.
Macron met with Trump in Washington last week, as did Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who insisted on Sunday that the United States was “not an unreliable ally,” despite Trump’s overtures to Putin.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)