Donald Trump expressed his disappointment with Russia during a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican. This encounter marked their first face-to-face discussion since their contentious summit at the White House. Trump is actively advocating for a peace deal to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy described the meeting as potentially "historic," especially as it took place just before Pope Francis’s funeral. Following their discussion, Trump took to Truth Social to question Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to pursue peace. He stated, "I want him to stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal," highlighting his frustration over recent Russian airstrikes in Ukraine, which resulted in casualties, including nine deaths in Kyiv.
Trump noted that he found Zelenskyy to be "calmer" during their conversation, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader is open to negotiations. However, Trump also mentioned that he believes Zelenskyy might be willing to concede Crimea, a claim that contradicts Zelenskyy’s consistent refusal to give up the territory annexed by Russia in 2014.
As Trump boarded Air Force One, he reiterated his hope for a resolution in the coming days. He urged that discussions about Crimea should focus on past U.S. administrations, specifically Barack Obama and Joe Biden, rather than the current situation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the peace process, stating that a resolution is closer than it has been in years, but still not finalized. He emphasized the challenges of ending a conflict that has persisted for so long.
In related news, North Korea has confirmed the deployment of troops to support Russia in its military efforts in Ukraine. This move comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s discussions with Moscow, where he pledged solidarity with the Russian government and military.
As the situation evolves, both Trump and Zelenskyy continue to seek pathways to peace, amidst ongoing tensions and violence in the region.