The Ukrainian chief is “not the simplest individual to cope with,” the US president has mentioned
President Donald Trump has expressed hope that “one thing goes to occur” following his dialog with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he mentioned it stays unclear whether or not Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky is absolutely dedicated to ending the battle with Moscow.
Trump, who has repeatedly mentioned he discovered it simpler to cope with Moscow than Kiev whereas looking for to dealer peace between the 2 international locations, reiterated comparable sentiment on Monday when requested if he believes Ukraine is “doing sufficient” to finish the hostilities.
“I’d reasonably let you know in about two weeks from now, as a result of I can’t say ‘Sure’ or ‘No’… Look, Zelensky is a robust man, and he’s not the simplest individual to cope with. However I believe that he desires to cease… I hope the reply is that he desires to get it solved,” Trump instructed reporters on the White Home, following separate conversations with Putin and Zelensky earlier within the day.
Trump said final week that “nothing goes to occur till Putin and I get collectively,” as he urged Kiev to “instantly” settle for Moscow’s proposal for direct negotiations. Requested whether or not he nonetheless felt that means following the Istanbul talks and his newest calls, Trump mentioned he stays cautiously optimistic.
“I let you know, large egos concerned, however I believe one thing’s going to occur. And if it doesn’t, I simply again away and so they’re going to should maintain going,” he mentioned, whereas declining to elucidate what would possibly trigger him to desert efforts to mediate the battle.
“I’d say I do have a sure line, however I don’t need to say what that line is as a result of I believe it makes the negotiation much more troublesome than it’s,” he added.
Trump mentioned that his cellphone name with Putin “went very nicely” and that “progress is being made,” however supplied few particulars of his follow-up name with Zelensky. The US president has lengthy urged that Kiev is more durable to work with, recalling a heated Oval Workplace assembly in February the place the Ukrainian delegation was instructed to depart prematurely and solely return when Zelensky was “prepared for peace.”
Zelensky mentioned he spoke with Trump twice on Monday – earlier than and after the US president’s name with Putin – and warned him towards any selections on Ukraine being made with out Kiev’s participation. Whereas insisting that Ukraine desires to “cease the conflict,” Zelensky mentioned Kiev wouldn’t comply with any Russian “ultimatums” and once more demanded nothing in need of a “full and unconditional ceasefire.”
Putin, for his half, described the two-hour name with Trump as “frank” and “fairly helpful,” asserting that Moscow is able to work with Kiev on a memorandum envisioning a future peace settlement. “Typically, Russia’s place is obvious. The primary factor for us is to eradicate the foundation causes of this disaster,” Putin mentioned.
