U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not want to take any steps that could prompt Russia to withdraw from negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. He pointed to progress in peace efforts while launching sharp criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his decision was intended to preserve the negotiating process. He explained that signing a document, whose nature he did not disclose, could cause Moscow to distance itself from the talks, adding that he could sign it later whenever he chose.
Trump also said significant progress was being made in the negotiations, including discussions concerning hostages, and stressed the importance of continuing efforts to end the conflict.
Trump: Russia Is Providing Little Assistance to Iran
Separately, Trump said Russia was providing Iran with only limited assistance, adding that he wanted to preserve the current situation and prevent Moscow from increasing its support for Tehran.
He said Russia was not doing much to help Iran, if it was helping at all, and warned against taking steps that could change the situation.
Trump Criticizes Zelensky Over Attacks on Russian Oil Refineries
Trump also criticized Zelensky, accusing Ukraine of targeting diesel refineries inside Russia despite what he described as the negative impact of such attacks on global diesel markets, including the U.S. market.
He said American farmers, livestock producers and businesses were facing pressure from rising prices, while Russia continued, according to his remarks, to export large quantities of diesel to international markets at low prices.
Trump accused Zelensky of being unwilling to end the war, suggesting that the Ukrainian president might never have wanted peace from the outset.
Trump Criticizes European Aid to Ukraine
Trump also criticized the financial assistance Ukraine received from European countries and the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden. He argued that Zelensky could have secured a better agreement two years ago than the one currently available to him.
Describing the situation in Ukraine as extremely difficult, Trump pointed to the loss of substantial territory and the damage sustained by the country’s human and military resources as the war continues.
Trump concluded by reiterating his desire to end the conflict, saying that he wanted the war to come to an end.
