President Donald Trump strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for saying that a peace deal is “very far” from being reached, saying, “He better not be right.”
Zelenskyy made this statement on Sunday while returning from London after a meeting with European leaders. “The final deal about ending the war is very, very far. Nobody’s even started all those steps yet,” he said.
Trump called this “the worst statement that could have been made” and warned that the United States would not tolerate it for much longer. He posted on Truth Social: “This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!”
When asked by ABC News Senior Politics Correspondent Rachel Scott what he needed to see from Zelenskyy to restart peace talks, Trump said, “Well, I just think he should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin.”
Trump was also asked about Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov’s recent comment that the administration’s foreign policy is “largely in line with our vision.” In response, Trump said, “I think it takes two to tango, and you’re going to have to make a deal with Russia, and you’re going to have to make a deal with Ukraine. If somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long. That person will not be listened to very long.”
He added, “I believe that Russia wants to make a deal. I believe certainly the people of Ukraine want to make a deal. They’ve suffered more than anybody else. We talk about suffering. They’ve suffered.”
Zelenskyy later expressed gratitude for years of American backing, despite tensions. He said, “There will be many meetings and joint efforts in the coming days and weeks. There will be diplomacy for peace.”
The Kremlin said it was “very important” to push Zelenskyy toward a peace deal. Peskov stated, “He does not want peace. Someone should make Zelenskyy want peace.”
On Monday, Zelenskyy responded to another round of Russian missile and drone attacks, writing on Telegram, “Ukraine is fighting for the normal and safe life it deserves, for a peace that is just and reliable. We want this war to end. But Russia does not want it and continues its aerial terror.” He added, “Those who want negotiations do not deliberately hit people with ballistic missiles. To force Russia to stop the strikes, we need a greater joint force of the world.”
Trump was set to meet with his top national security advisers on Monday to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The meeting was expected to include National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Sources indicated that discussions would focus on next steps following Zelenskyy’s controversial Oval Office meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump last week highlighted major differences between the U.S. and Ukraine on how to handle the war. Russian officials responded positively to the meeting. Peskov said on Russian state television that Trump’s administration is “rapidly changing” American “foreign policy configurations,” making them “largely in line with our vision.”
Zelenskyy maintained that Ukraine appreciates U.S. support. He said, “We understand the importance of America, and we are grateful for all the support we have received from the United States. There hasn’t been a single day when we haven’t felt grateful. Because this is gratitude for the preservation of our independence. We need peace, not endless war. And that is why we say that security guarantees are the key to this.”
Zelenskyy also attended a summit with European leaders in London, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed a potential peace plan with French President Emmanuel Macron. Starmer emphasized that any agreement must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. He said that Europe would continue to provide financial aid and military assistance to Ukraine while applying economic pressure on Russia.
Starmer’s plan includes continued investment in Ukraine’s military defense, increased funding for humanitarian efforts, and securing financial stability through strategic asset management. He stressed that Europe remains committed to supporting Ukraine but acknowledged that long-term peace requires strong U.S. backing.
Zelenskyy said he had received “clear support from Europe” and reported that leaders were more unified than ever. He said, “Everyone is united on the main point — for peace to be real, real security guarantees are needed. And this is the position of all of our Europe — of the entire continent.”
“In the near future, all of us in Europe will shape our common positions — the lines we must achieve and the lines we cannot compromise on,” Zelenskyy continued. “These positions will be presented to our partners in the United States.”
“Robust and lasting peace, and the right agreement on the end of the war are truly our shared priority,” he concluded.
As discussions continue, the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations remains uncertain. The ongoing negotiations will have significant implications for international diplomacy, global markets, and economic stability.
