President Donald Trump has intensified his push for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to accept a peace deal that observers fear could tilt heavily in Russia’s favor. The remarks, made Wednesday from the Oval Office, signal a hardening U.S. stance and growing tension between Washington and Kyiv.
“I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelenskiy,” Trump said, expressing frustration. “So far, it’s been harder than expected.”
The comments followed a sharp social media post earlier in the day, in which Trump accused Zelenskiy of prolonging the war — now entering its fourth year — by refusing to compromise. At issue is Ukraine’s stance on Crimea, with Zelenskiy reiterating this week that Kyiv would not recognize Russian sovereignty over the peninsula.
Trump dismissed that position, stating: “It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskiy’s that make it so difficult to settle this war… The man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”
European leaders and Ukrainian officials have pushed back against the U.S. president’s fast-tracking of peace talks, insisting that a ceasefire and ironclad security guarantees for Ukraine must precede any territorial discussions.
Early Thursday, just hours after Trump’s comments, Kyiv and Kharkiv were hit by a heavy drone and missile barrage, injuring at least five civilians, including a child. Ukraine’s military blamed Russian forces for the coordinated assault.
Trump’s remarks suggest a shift in tone. While he remained noncommittal on whether he would meet Zelenskiy during their upcoming visit to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, he signaled that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin was likely soon — possibly in Saudi Arabia next month, or shortly after.
The pressure campaign has deepened anxiety among NATO allies, with critics warning that Trump’s apparent eagerness for a deal could lead to concessions at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term European stability.
