President Donald Trump said he was “disappointed” when he complained about the Ukrainian leader being excluded from talks between the US and Russia to end the Ukrainian war.
Trump also appears to blame Kiev for Moscow's invasion – Ukraine avoids the war even if he says he is confident in deals to end the war after US-Russia talks He claimed that he had “concluded” in order to do so.
“I'm very disappointed, I hear they're angry that they don't have a seat. [at the talks]When asked about Ukraine's reaction, Trump told reporters at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The US president said that “half burn” negotiators were able to secure a settlement “without losing much land” several years ago.
“I heard today, 'Oh, well, we weren't invited.' Well, you were there for three years… you should have never started it. You could have made a deal,” he said.
Speaking in Florida on Tuesday night, Trump increased the election pressure on Zelensky. It reflects one of Moscow's important demands.
The US president also proposed that he could meet Russian President Vladimir Putin by the end of the month, as Washington overhauls its stance towards Russia with a shift that surprised European leaders.
Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that its efforts to end the war were “fair”, while postponing a trip to Saudi Arabia, where US and Russia spoke, were held to postpone the war, with European countries being “fair”, and European countries being involved He criticized US Russia talks for excluding Kiev, saying it had to.
Speaking, “It's being held between representatives of Russia and representatives of the United States. About Ukraine – again about Ukraine – and without Ukraine,” he said.
The Ukrainian president's comments seemed to anger Trump, but Trump launched a series of attacks on Zelensky.
Asked whether the US would support Russia's demands that Zelensky force new elections as part of any deal, Trump said: ? It's been a long time since we voted.
“It's not Russian. It comes from me, from other countries.
“We have a situation where we are not holding elections in Ukraine. Ukraine has essentially martial law and Ukrainian leaders. So I hate to say that, but he has 4% approval Down on ratings. The country was blown away by the blacksmiths. Most cities lie on their side. The buildings collapse. Looks like a massive demolition site.”
Zelensky, aired on Tuesday in an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, defended his popularity, saying, “Because I'm the president of Ukraine, because 73% of people voted for me. And today , I am the President because the majority of my country supports me. I am a patriot, like those who protect our country.
“Of course Russia wants to get me out. It may not be politically physically anymore, as they did at the beginning of the war. And that's what makes me very uncomfortable. He's a person and someone who's uncomfortable for Putin, so I can absolutely understand it.”
Zelensky was elected for a five-year term in 2019, but Ukraine is still under martial law and is still in office.
Sean Sabett, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council under then President Joe Biden, said in a social media post:
“Reminders that no one needs: Putin started the war by invading Ukraine, and his army committed war crimes against the people of Ukrainians. Russia is responsible for the continued war.”
European leaders are increasingly afraid that Trump is giving too many concessions to Russia. However, Trump argued that his only goal was “peace” to end Europe's largest land war since World War II.
Trump said he is “a lot more confident” in the post-conversation deal, adding: “They were very good. Russia wants to do something. They want to stop the wild bark.
“I think I have the power to end this war, and I think it's going very well,” Trump said.
The US leader added that if he could sign a contract to end the war, he would “all” Ukrainian European peacekeeping forces. “If they want to do that, that's great, I'm everything for it,” he said.
“I know France is willing to do it and I thought it was a beautiful gesture,” Trump added, saying the UK made a similar offer. He said the US wouldn't have to contribute “Because we are so far away.”
His comments came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his country would not accept Ukrainian NATO peacekeeping forces under the peace agreement.
Trump announced he had spoken with Putin last week, shocking the world when the two leaders announced they had begun peace talks and agreed to meet each other in Moscow and Washington.
The US president then said it would also hold its first meeting in Saudi Arabia. No dates have been announced, but when asked if he would meet Putin by the end of the month, Trump said “probably.”
Meanwhile, European officials urged the United States not to be on Moscow's side. “Together with the European Foreign Minister, I spoke,” said Kaja Kallas, representative of foreign affairs and security policy. [US secretary of state Marco Rubio] After his speech in Riyadh. Russia tries to divide us. Don't step into their trap. By working with the United States, we can achieve fair and lasting peace on Ukrainian terms. ”
Agence France-Presse
