We begin with new developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, as President Donald Trump accuses Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of obstructing efforts to reach a peace agreement.
Speaking Wednesday in an interview with Reuters from the Oval Office, President Trump said Ukraine — not Russia — is slowing progress toward ending the nearly four-year-long conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
According to Reuters, President Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears ready to negotiate an end to the war, while Ukraine’s leader remains hesitant.
“I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said, referring to President Putin. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal.”
When asked why U.S. diplomatic efforts had yet to produce a breakthrough, the president placed the blame squarely on President Zelenskyy, responding with a single word — “Zelenskyy,” according to the report.
President Trump did not elaborate on why he believes the Ukrainian leader is holding back, saying only that Zelenskyy may be “having a hard time getting there” when it comes to accepting a peace agreement. Despite the criticism, Trump said he would still be open to meeting with Zelenskyy during the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The president also addressed reports suggesting a potential visit to Moscow by his son-in-law Jared Kushner and White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, saying he was unaware of any such plans.
Trump’s remarks contrast sharply with the position of several European leaders. Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the responsibility lies with Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace. She added that the European Union is developing plans to support Ukraine’s economic recovery once the war ends.
Relations between President Trump and President Zelenskyy have been tense for some time. The two leaders had a heated exchange in front of reporters and dignitaries at the White House in late February 2025, after Zelenskyy suggested the United States could eventually feel the impact of Russian aggression despite being geographically distant.
Still, the Ukrainian president has publicly signaled his willingness to work with Washington. In a post on social media platform X, Zelenskyy called for swift cooperation with the United States on security guarantees, economic agreements, and political frameworks to bring the war to an end.
As diplomatic pressure intensifies and global leaders prepare to meet in Davos, the path to peace in Ukraine remains uncertain.
We will continue to follow this story closely.
Reporting by Lisa Lomami.
