Trump: Deal with Russia ready, Zelensky agreement tougher
"I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelensky," said US President Donald Trump on Wednesday. "I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far, it's been harder," he added.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump stated that the deal with Russia is already prepared, but an agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also necessary.
- Trump suggested that a meeting with Vladimir Putin may occur after his visit to Saudi Arabia, scheduled for May 13-16.
- The US President declined to clarify whether the ceasefire agreement requires Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian.
As highlighted by "The New York Times," Donald Trump's comments refer to a ceasefire proposal that closely aligns with Russia's long-term goals.
"I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelensky. I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far, it's been harder," Donald Trump stated in the Oval Office on Wednesday.
Trump refused to answer directly when asked if the proposed ceasefire agreement includes terms forcing Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian.
- I just wanna see the war end. I don't care - if they both are happy, if they both sign an agreement - said Trump. - I have no favorites, I don’t wanna have favorites - I just want a deal done - he added.
When is Trump's meeting with Putin?
Trump was also asked whether he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Saudi Arabia.
"It's possible, but most likely not. I think we'll meet with him shortly thereafter," said the US President.
Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates is scheduled for May 13-16. It will be his second overseas visit during this term, following the planned visit to Rome for Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday, April 26.
The dispute over Russian-occupied territories
Earlier on Wednesday, the American president criticized Zelensky on his social platform Truth Social, accusing him of prolonging the war. He also stated that the Ukrainian president's claim that "Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea" is "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago."
"Ukraine wants a swift and fair peace, but if the conversation is about sovereign territories, then the format moves into prolonging the war, which is what Russia wants," stated President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday upon learning that the American peace plan involves handing over occupied Ukrainian lands to Russia.
