Donald Trump urges Zelenskyy to negotiate peace with Russia

Tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have escalated following recent public exchanges and failed diplomatic efforts. Trump has criticized the Biden administration’s $350 billion in aid to Ukraine, labeling the conflict “Biden’s war” and claiming that a conflict would not have occurred under his own presidency.

Trump has called on Zelenskyy to stop his current rhetoric and focus on reaching a deal with Russia, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader should meet directly with Vladimir Putin. Trump further asserted that Zelenskyy’s current stance is “creating problems for the whole world” and has suggested that Ukraine hold elections to allow for a more conciliatory leader.

Recent interactions have been marked by friction, including a tense press conference on February 28, 2025, where both leaders traded accusations. Additionally, recent high-level contacts between US and Ukrainian delegations in Miami reportedly ended prematurely.