On Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed his disappointment with both Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as tensions continue in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite expressing optimism to the press that progress is being made, Trump admitted that significant animosity exists between the two heads of state, suggesting that a quick resolution might not be forthcoming as he had previously promised.
During an early morning interview with NBC News from his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump voiced his frustration, particularly with Putin for questioning Zelenskyy’s credibility. Putin recently remarked that Zelenskyy lacked the legitimacy to sign a peace agreement and hinted that Ukraine needed external governance. In response, Trump floated the idea of imposing additional sanctions on Russia and potentially using tariffs to impact its oil exports.
Notably, Trump is usually reticent to criticize Putin publicly but has previously questioned Zelenskyy’s credibility. For instance, Trump has insinuated that Ukraine was the instigator in the war triggered by Russia’s invasion three years ago. He has also insisted on holding elections in Ukraine, despite it being unconstitutional during martial law.
On his return to Washington Sunday evening, Trump softened his stance somewhat, though he still expressed irritation toward Putin. “I don’t think he’s going to go back on his word,” he stated, referring to his longstanding relationship with the Russian leader. Trump mentioned a “psychological deadline” for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, warning he would not be pleased if they were stalling.
Trump soon turned his criticism towards Zelenskyy, accusing him of trying to withdraw from a rare earth elements agreement—a negotiation concerning critical minerals in Ukraine. He indicated trouble for Zelenskyy if he renegotiated for better security assurances, noting, “Well, he was never going to be a member of NATO. He understands that.”
The U.S. is advocating for a comprehensive ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to peacefully conclude their three-year conflict. However, Russia has rejected a U.S. proposition for an immediate and complete 30-day halt, and the potential for partial ceasefire finds itself on shaky ground owing to extensive Kremlin-imposed conditions.
On the ground, tensions flared further as Russian drones targeted critical infrastructure in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, including a military hospital and residential areas, resulting in two fatalities and many injuries. Ukrainian authorities condemned the targeted attack, emphasizing its deliberate nature. Military analysts anticipate a renewed Russian offensive to increase pressure on Kyiv.
In the past week, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reported widespread attacks across the country, underscoring his earlier comments in Paris that Russia is deliberately prolonging ceasefire talks to regain territory strategically. The Ukrainian air force noted that Russia deployed over a hundred drones, with 65 intercepted and others likely disrupted electronically.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that its forces took a village in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, although this report remains unverified independently by Ukraine. With ongoing aggression and complex geopolitical dynamics, the journey toward a peaceful resolution remains fraught with challenges.