Former President Donald Trump suggests Ukrainian President Zelensky complicates potential peace talks with Russia.
In a recent radio interview, former U.S. President
Donald Trump acknowledged Russia's aggression towards Ukraine but implied that both President
Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky share responsibility for failing to deter Moscow's actions.
Trump expressed skepticism about Zelensky's negotiation tactics, stating that the Ukrainian leader was operating without leverage in discussions.
"I've been watching for years and see that he is negotiating without the right cards.
He has no advantages," Trump remarked, adding that he believed Zelensky's involvement in negotiations is not critical.
Furthermore, Trump suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be open to negotiation regarding a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
He alleged that if Putin desired, he could annex Ukraine without the need for formal discussions.
Trump characterized the situation by stating that Ukraine had been attacked by a nation that is significantly larger and stronger.
In a press conference earlier in the week, Trump criticized Ukraine for the initiation of hostilities, asserting that Kyiv should have reached an agreement with Russia prior to the onset of the full-scale invasion.
The exchange intensified when Zelensky responded to Trump's comments by suggesting that the former president was living in a disinformation bubble.
In retaliation, Trump labeled Zelensky a dictator during a social media outburst, echoing narratives that have been circulating in Russian state media for three years.
Following this, political commentator J.D. Vance remarked that Zelensky was damaging his position by publicly denouncing Trump.