In a recent press conference, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy by blaming Ukraine for the ongoing war with Russia, claiming the country should never have started the conflict.
Trump’s remarks came in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s criticisms regarding being excluded from peace talks between Washington and Moscow.
The former US leader’s comments were made just after a key meeting between Russian and US officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he expressed newfound confidence that a peace agreement could be reached.
Trump’s Bold Remarks on Ukraine’s Responsibility for the War
Trump claimed that Ukraine had been at fault for the invasion by Russia, saying, “You should have never started it.
You could have made a deal.” He further asserted that the US could end the war quickly, adding that he could have brokered a deal for Ukraine himself.
His words came after Zelensky expressed his frustrations about being left out of crucial discussions between the US and Russia.
According to Trump, it had been far too long since Ukraine held elections, making Zelensky’s involvement in peace talks questionable.
These comments have raised eyebrows, as critics point out that Trump’s stance echoes Russian narratives, which deny Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
Zelensky Fires Back at Trump’s Remarks
Zelensky, clearly angered by Trump’s latest statements, strongly rejected the notion that Ukraine had any responsibility for the war.
In his remarks, Zelensky condemned the Russian attacks on his country and emphasized that Ukraine would never accept any peace deal made without its direct involvement.
He criticized the United States and Russia for holding secret negotiations, warning that any decision made behind Ukraine’s back would be unacceptable.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine was committed to ending the war but only under fair conditions that respected the country’s sovereignty.
Ongoing Violence Amid Peace Talks
While these diplomatic tensions unfolded, Russian forces intensified their attacks on Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure in the city of Odesa.
Russian airstrikes hit a children’s clinic and kindergarten, and the city was left without power, with temperatures dropping to -6°C. Zelensky, in his response, condemned the attack and described it as another example of Russia’s “pathological lying,” pointing out that Russian officials had previously denied hitting Ukraine’s energy sector, despite the evident destruction.
The Ukrainian leader called for global pressure on Russia to halt its barbaric actions and respect peace negotiations.
US Special Representative Visits Kyiv Amid Growing Tensions
As the situation continues to escalate, US Special Representative Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv to engage with Ukrainian leaders.
Kellogg emphasized that his mission was to listen to Ukraine’s needs for security guarantees, underscoring that the US was prepared to provide support as necessary.
He also expressed that he would return to the US to brief President Trump, keeping open the possibility of future discussions and potential agreements.
However, Zelensky remained firm in his stance, stressing that Ukraine would not bend to Moscow’s ultimatums, highlighting past refusals to concede during the early stages of the war.
Ukraine’s Resolve for Fair Peace
In a separate appearance, Zelensky, while visiting Turkey, reiterated his firm position that Ukraine would never yield to Russian demands.
He pointed out that during past negotiations, including those in Belarus and Turkey, Russia had called for unacceptable conditions, such as the reduction of Ukraine’s military presence and the recognition of occupied territories as Russian.
Zelensky’s unwavering determination made it clear that Ukraine’s path to peace would not be dictated by Moscow or any foreign powers, but rather by its own sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Trump’s Controversial Claim about Zelensky’s Popularity
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump also made a contentious claim regarding Zelensky’s popularity, stating that only a small percentage of Ukrainians supported him.
This statement is widely disputed, as most surveys show overwhelming support for Zelensky and his leadership in the fight against Russia.
Critics argue that Trump’s remarks not only misrepresent the situation in Ukraine but also undermine the legitimacy of Ukraine’s elected government in the eyes of the international community.
The Future of Ukraine-Russia Negotiations
As the war drags on with no clear end in sight, both Ukraine and the international community face difficult decisions regarding peace talks and future negotiations.
Trump’s controversial comments have added to the complexity of the situation, and his approach continues to draw criticism from both sides.
Meanwhile, Zelensky remains resolute in his desire for a just peace that ensures Ukraine’s security and independence.
This ongoing tension between Trump’s peace efforts and Zelensky’s refusal to compromise underscores the broader geopolitical struggle between Russia, Ukraine, and the Western world.
The coming months will likely shape the future of the conflict and the potential for a diplomatic resolution.
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