Former President Donald Trump has publicly expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging him to accept his proposed peace plan.
Speaking to Politico, Trump warned that Russia currently holds the “upper hand” in the conflict and insisted that Zelensky needs to “get his act together” if meaningful negotiations are to move forward.
Trump didn’t hold back in his assessment of European allies either, calling them “weak” and suggesting that they spend more time talking than delivering real solutions for Ukraine.
“I think they want to be politically correct,” Trump said.
“But they don’t know what to do. Europe doesn’t know what to do.”
Trump’s 28-Point Peace Plan Faces Hurdles
Last month, Trump unveiled a 28-point peace proposal modeled on his Gaza agreement, aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
However, the plan faces major obstacles—most notably Ukraine’s possible territorial concessions to Russia and measures to prevent future Russian military aggression.
When asked which side holds more leverage in negotiations, Trump was unambiguous: “It’s Russia. It’s a much bigger country.”
He also pressed Zelensky to act decisively, commenting, “He’s going to have to get on the ball and start accepting things.”
European Leaders Under Scrutiny
Trump expressed mixed feelings about European leadership, praising the current leaders in principle but criticizing them for failing the Ukrainian people.
“They talk too much. And they’re not delivering. We’re talking about Ukraine. The war just keeps going,” he said.
The comments come amid reports that Trump’s son, Don Jr., suggested the former president might step back from Ukraine if peace talks stall.
Trump offered clarification: “That’s not true, but it’s not entirely wrong either.
They have to play along. If they don’t, it won’t be easy with Russia, because Russia has the advantage.”
Ukraine Prepares Revised Peace Proposal
Ukraine is preparing to submit a revised 20-point peace plan to the United States on Tuesday.
The country faces intense pressure from Washington to reach an agreement while also trying to balance a draft proposal that is widely seen as favorable to Moscow.
A summit in London on Monday, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Zelensky, aimed to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position.
After the meeting, Zelensky confirmed the plan contains 20 points but emphasized that territorial issues remain unresolved.
“The mood of the Americans is for finding a compromise.
Of course, there are complex issues related to the territory, and a compromise has not yet been found,” he said, reiterating that Ukraine will not surrender its land.
European Security Concerns
European powers are pushing for U.S. security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression following Moscow’s invasion in February 2022.
Last month’s American ceasefire proposal has raised concerns in Europe that Ukraine might be pressured into accepting broad Russian demands, potentially destabilizing the continent.
Despite U.S. officials claiming that negotiations are nearing completion, there has been little indication that either side is ready to finalize the framework proposed by Trump’s team.
“We stand with Ukraine, and if there is to be a ceasefire, it has to be just and lasting,” Sir Keir Starmer said after welcoming the leaders to Downing Street.
What Comes Next?
As Ukraine submits its revised plan and international pressure mounts, the coming days will be critical.
Zelensky and his allies must navigate complex negotiations to protect the country’s territorial integrity while responding to U.S. and European calls for a sustainable peace agreement.
The world is watching to see whether compromise can be reached—or if the conflict will continue to escalate.
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