Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly expressed his scepticism regarding a claim made by US President Donald Trump that Russian leader Vladimir Putin desires to see Ukraine succeed. The remarks came during an interview with Fox News on Monday, following a joint press conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Doubts Over Putin's Intentions
Pressed on his reaction to Trump's Sunday statement that "Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed," Zelensky was unequivocal. "I don't trust Russians and... I don't trust Putin and he doesn't want success for Ukraine, really," the Ukrainian leader stated. He clarified that he was not calling President Trump a liar, but instead suggested that Putin's purported generosity was a tactical manoeuvre.
"I can believe he can say such words to President Trump," Zelensky explained. "I believe he can say it but it's not true. He doesn't want to have from President Trump, more pressure with sanctions." He emphasised that the message about providing cheap energy was intended for Trump, adding, "he has to find a way to communicate with him."
Mar-a-Lago Talks and Thorny Issues
The interview followed a day of high-stakes discussions at Mar-a-Lago aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. Trump welcomed Zelensky on Sunday to negotiate a 20-point peace plan. While both leaders indicated they were "very close" to an agreement, significant hurdles remain.
The most difficult points, as acknowledged by Zelensky, concern the future of the Donbas region and control of a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant. "This is very difficult question," Zelensky said regarding Donbas. "You know our position... we have to respect our law and our people. We respect the territory which we control."
Trump countered that "some of that land has been taken" and "may be up for grabs," but praised Ukrainian bravery. He warned that without a deal, the alternative is grim: "They keep fighting and they keep dying." The US President revealed a potential timeline, stating, "In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other."
Broader Context and International Reactions
The talks occurred against a backdrop of continued violence. Just a day prior, Russian missiles struck Kyiv, killing at least one person and injuring 20 others. Zelensky, writing on social media ahead of the summit, stressed that "ending the war" was the sole priority, requiring global support for air defences, weaponry, and reconstruction funds.
He also noted a call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss preparations for the Trump meeting. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov labelled Europe as "the main obstacle to peace," while praising Trump's diplomatic efforts.
The proposed American peace plan reportedly includes security guarantees for Ukraine, potentially through EU membership and maintaining a large, Western-funded peacetime army. Trump, however, snapped at a reporter asking for details, calling it a "stupid question" but assuring a "strong agreement" with European involvement.
This meeting marked the sixth engagement between Trump and Zelensky this year, a relationship that has evolved since a heated initial encounter in February. The outcome of these delicate negotiations, balancing Ukrainian sovereignty with geopolitical realities, will shape the future of Eastern Europe.
