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U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that Russia, not Ukraine, is the party delaying a potential peace deal, suggesting that Kyiv is reluctant to negotiate even as Moscow is ready to end its nearly four-year military campaign.
Speaking exclusively to Reuters on Wednesday, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin “is ready to make a deal,” while his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, “is less ready to make a deal.”
Asked why U.S.-led negotiations had yet to resolve Europe’s largest land conflict since World War Two, Trump tersely responded: “Zelenskiy.”
The comments mark a divergence from European allies, who have consistently argued that Moscow has little genuine interest in ending the war and remains intent on reclaiming Ukrainian territory. U.S. intelligence has similarly cautioned that Putin has not abandoned broader ambitions in Ukraine or parts of the former Soviet bloc, though Trump has often appeared more willing to take Putin’s assurances at face value.
Trump’s remarks also hinted at ongoing friction with Zelenskiy, despite signs of an improved relationship during Trump’s first year back in office.
“I just think he’s, you know, having a hard time getting there,” Trump said when asked why the Ukrainian leader appeared hesitant.
U.S.-led negotiations, primarily conducted by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, have focused on security guarantees for a post-war Ukraine to prevent future Russian invasions.
The talks have included discussions of possible concessions over the eastern Donbas region, proposals that have drawn skepticism from both European officials and Ukrainian authorities. Zelenskiy has publicly rejected any territorial concessions, citing constitutional constraints.
When asked about a possible meeting with Zelenskiy at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week, Trump said he would meet the Ukrainian leader “if he’s there,” without confirming any formal arrangements.
Trump’s comments underscore the ongoing complexity of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts, highlighting divergent perspectives on Ukraine’s readiness for compromise and the broader path toward a negotiated settlement. - January 15, 2026