Trump: No Need for Ukraine’s Leader in Peace Talks with Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Friday that Ukraine’s leadership lacks significant leverage in negotiations aimed at resolving Russia’s ongoing invasion. Speaking at a gathering of U.S. governors at the White House, Trump maintained a confrontational stance toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting that while Ukraine may project strength, it is ultimately without “any cards” to play.

Trump remarked, “I’ve had very good talks with Putin, and I’ve had not such good talks with Ukraine. They don’t have any cards, but they play it tough.” He emphasized the urgency of bringing parties to the negotiation table, stating, “We’re not going to let this continue… we’ve got to get that ended.”

Earlier in the week, Trump claimed that Russia holds the advantageous position due to its territorial gains in Ukraine, a statement that has raised concerns among Kyiv and its European allies regarding potential concessions in future negotiations. Additionally, the president has been pressing Zelensky for preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, framing it as a necessary return for the substantial U.S. aid provided to Kyiv.

Zelensky has resisted these demands, expressing frustration over Ukraine’s exclusion from discussions taking place in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials. In response, Trump labeled Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and criticized Ukraine’s role in the war.

In a radio interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated his belief that Zelensky’s involvement in negotiations was not crucial, saying, “I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings. He’s been there for three years. He makes it very hard to make deals.” He also refrained from placing blame on Russia for the invasion, suggesting that Zelensky’s actions had contributed to the ongoing conflict.

Trump’s remarks extended beyond Ukraine, as he also took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing them of inactivity in efforts to end the war. “The war’s going on, they had no meetings with Russia, no nothing – they haven’t done anything,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has intensified pressure on Ukraine to finalize a deal that would grant the U.S. access to its rich reserves of raw earth metals and other minerals. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz affirmed that Ukraine would sign the agreement “in the very short term,” despite Zelensky’s previous rejections over security concerns.

Waltz criticized those who oppose the U.S. shift in its stance toward Ukraine, aligning with narratives that have emerged from the Kremlin.