US President Trump stated on the 5th that Ukrainian President Zelensky is an obstacle to reaching an agreement with Russia, and insisted that Russian President Putin is being cooperative.
According to AFP, in an exclusive interview with Politico, Trump said: “Zelensky, he needs to be a bit smarter, he must get the deal done.”
A year ago, Trump had a tense meeting with Zelensky at the White House, during which he and Vice President Vance publicly rebuked Zelensky. Now, Trump is reiterating his previous remarks, indicating that Zelensky is in a weak position and must make concessions.
According to Politico, Trump said: “He is the obstacle, it’s incredible. You have no leverage, and now you have even less leverage.”
Trump also said: “I think Putin is ready to make a deal.”
Trump has long argued that US support for Ukraine is a waste, has publicly spoken positively about Putin in the past, and even invited Putin to Alaska in August last year.