Trump-Putin ‘Good talks’ vs. Ukraine ‘Tough play’: US president stirs controversy

US President Donald Trump on Friday intensified his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that he does not consider it essential for Zelensky to be present at negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump claimed to have had “good talks” with Russian President Vladimir Putin but not with Ukraine, as the US pushes for negotiations to resolve the three-year-long conflict. However, in a later statement, Trump clarified that both Zelensky and Putin would ultimately have to “get together” to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

Trump calls Zelensky a ‘Dictator’

Trump's remarks signaled a shift in his stance, as he previously referred to Zelensky as a “dictator with elections” after the Ukrainian leader criticized being left out of US-Russia diplomatic talks. Speaking in an audio interview with Fox News, Trump remarked, “I don't think he's very important to be in meetings. He has been there for three years. He makes it very hard to make deals.” Further deepening tensions, Trump asserted that Ukrainian leaders “don’t have any cards” in the ongoing peace discussions. “I have had very good talks with Putin, and I have had not such good talks with Ukraine. They don't have any cards, but they play it tough. But we are not going to let this continue,” Trump told US governors at the White House. Notably, Ukraine was excluded from high-level ceasefire discussions between Russian officials and top diplomats in Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

US seeks preferential access to Ukraine’s resources

Adding to the friction, Trump proposed that Ukraine should grant US companies access to its vast mineral deposits as compensation for the billions of dollars in aid provided under former President Joe Biden. In return, Ukraine has sought security guarantees from Washington before signing away these rights. Zelensky, who has previously rejected such an agreement, stated on Friday that he remains hopeful for a “fair result.”

Trump criticizes Macron and starmer over Ukraine

Trump also took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of their upcoming White House visits, accusing them of failing to take decisive action on the Russia-Ukraine war. Macron responded on Friday, stating that he would remind Trump that “you can't be weak with President Putin.” Trump dismissed Macron’s stance, saying, “They haven’t done anything. Macron is a friend of mine, and I have met with the Prime Minister (Starmer), and he’s a very nice guy, but nobody’s done anything.” Meanwhile, UK Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused Trump of orchestrating a “stitch-up” with Putin, calling it a betrayal of Ukraine. He urged Starmer to confront Trump “honestly and openly” on the matter.