Trump finds Ukraine ‘harder to deal with’ than ‘generous’ Russia

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning about World War III on Friday while revealing that he finds Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky harder to work with than Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Trump Calls for Ceasefire and Considers Sanctions on Russia

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump responded to a reporter who asked if he still believed Putin wanted peace, despite Russia’s relentless bombing of Ukraine.

“I believe him, I believe him,” Trump said. “I think we’re doing really well with Russia.” He acknowledged that Russia was “bombing the hell out of Ukraine” but added, “I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine.”

His comments came just a week after a heated confrontation with Zelensky in the Oval Office, which led the U.S. to temporarily pause intelligence sharing and weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

Hours before his remarks, Trump announced on Truth Social that he was “strongly considering” imposing large-scale banking sanctions, additional sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final peace agreement were reached.

Ukraine Urged to Negotiate as Russia Gains Ground

Trump insisted that Ukraine must “get on the ball and get a deal done,” arguing that Russia holds the upper hand in the war.

“As you know, we’re meeting in Saudi Arabia sometime next week. And we find that in terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia,” Trump said. “And they are bombing the hell out of them right now.”

When asked whether Putin was exploiting the U.S. weapons and intelligence pause to intensify attacks on Ukraine, Trump defended the Russian leader’s actions.

“I actually think he’s doing what anybody in that position would be doing right now,” he said. “I’ve always had a good relationship with Putin. And you know, he wants to end the war.”

Trump: ‘This Could Really End in World War III’

Despite expressing confidence in a potential resolution, Trump issued a dire warning about the conflict spiraling out of control.

“This thing could end up in a World War III if we don’t get it settled,” he cautioned. “This could really end up in a World War III.”

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz echoed Trump’s concerns, describing the war as a “meat grinder of people, of material, of national treasure.”

Asked why the U.S. wasn’t providing Ukraine with more air defense systems to counter Russia’s assault, Trump responded bluntly:

“I have to know that they want to settle. I don’t know that they want to settle. If they don’t want to settle, we’re out of there because we want them to settle.”

As Russia continues its aggressive military campaign, Trump’s latest stance on Ukraine signals a shift in U.S. support for the war-torn nation, raising questions about future American involvement in the conflict.