Trump Says Putin Wants to End Ukraine War, Accuses Zelenskyy of Prolonging Conflict

US President Donald Trump has criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, saying he wants the conflict to end rather than continue for another decade.

After speaking with Zelenskyy, Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was seeking an end to the war, while suggesting that the Ukrainian leader was prepared to continue fighting.

“We had a meeting with Zelensky today, and it didn’t go great, from his standpoint. I think he very much overplayed his hand. I’m looking for peace, not a 10-year war,” Trump said.

Trump also claimed that around 2,000 people had been killed in the previous week and said his priority was to stop further deaths.

His comments came as Washington continued its diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Trump has previously said Putin wants a deal, although US, Ukrainian and European officials have continued to differ over Moscow’s intentions and the terms required for a settlement.

TRUMP RAISES CONCERNS OVER RUSSIAN OIL INFRASTRUCTURE

Trump also linked the war to disruptions in Russia’s energy sector, claiming that Ukrainian attacks had damaged a significant number of Russian diesel refineries.

He argued that the continuing conflict was contributing to wider economic pressures and called for an end to what he described as a “never ending” war.

The comments came amid intensifying attacks between Russia and Ukraine. Recent Ukrainian strikes have targeted Russian energy infrastructure, while Russian forces have continued attacks across Ukraine.

ZELENSKYY SIGNALS FRESH DIPLOMATIC PUSH

Zelenskyy struck a more positive tone after his conversation with Trump, announcing that the two leaders had agreed to meet in New York during the UN General Assembly.

He described the conversation as important and said the planned meeting “could change a lot”, adding that there was “diplomatic momentum”.

Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for sending US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv. The two officials had recently held talks with Putin in Moscow before travelling to Kyiv for discussions with Zelenskyy as Washington sought to restart negotiations.

According to Zelenskyy, peace remains Ukraine’s top priority. He said Kyiv was prepared to take serious steps towards de-escalation while discussions continued on issues including energy security, food security and the protection of civilians.

TRUMP-ZELENSKYY MEETING AHEAD

The planned meeting in New York comes as diplomatic contacts increase despite continued fighting on the ground.

Trump’s administration has been attempting to bring Russia and Ukraine closer to a settlement, with Witkoff and Kushner holding discussions with both sides earlier this month. However, key disagreements remain, including over territory and security arrangements.

Zelenskyy’s announcement of a new meeting with Trump suggests that Washington and Kyiv are continuing direct discussions even as Trump publicly presses for a faster end to the war.