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President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized strongly Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, charging him with obstructing a peaceful agreement and asserting that he has proven "more difficult" to negotiate with than Russia .
I believe Russia is prepared... I think we've reached an agreement with Russia," Trump told journalists. "We must secure a deal with Zelensky; I assumed dealing with Zelensky would be simpler, but thus far, it has proven more difficult.
Pressed on his comments, Mr Trump said he does not have any “favourites” in the conflict – despite the US being a vital Ukrainian ally – and that he just “[wants to] save the lives” and “see the war end”.
This statement follows President Zelensky’s rejection of territorial concessions to Russia on Tuesday. He declared, “There is no room for discussion. The land belongs to us and to the Ukrainian people.”
Mr. Trump described Zelensky's public dissent as "quite damaging" to negotiations.
Nobody expects Zelensky to acknowledge this. Crimea "As part of Russian territory, but if he desires Crimea, why didn’t they combat for it 11 years prior when it was transferred to Russia without any resistance?" he posted on social media.
Trump Says Zelensky Is Tougher to Deal With Than Russia
04:45 , Namita SinghOn Wednesday, US President Donald Trump stated that he believed Russia had consented to an agreement aimed at concluding the conflict in Ukraine.
I believe we've reached an agreement with Russia, but now we must secure one with Zelensky," Trump stated to journalists in the Oval Office. "Initially, I assumed dealing with Zelensky would be simpler. However, so far, it has proven more challenging.
Stating that he doesn't have any "favorites," Trump mentioned his aim was simply to "save lives" and to "see the war come to an end."