Trump says Russia wants a Ukraine settlement and criticizes Zelensky
In short
US President Donald Trump said Russia wanted a deal to settle the conflict in Ukraine, while accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of rejecting opportunities to end it. Russian outlets reported the comments on October 10 and 11; Interfax said Trump spoke to journalists in Washington.
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US President Donald Trump said Russia wanted a deal to settle the conflict in Ukraine, according to Russian news reports published on October 11. Interfax quoted him telling journalists in Washington that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted a resolution. Asked about possible visits to Moscow by negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump again said he believed Russia wanted to conclude a deal. RBC reported his contrasting assessment that Zelensky did not want an agreement. [ 4 , 5 ]
RIA Novosti reported on October 10 that Trump said Zelensky could have settled the conflict repeatedly but chose not to do so. TASS also reported that claim, and its October 11 summary said Trump believed Zelensky would have been in a better position if he had negotiated two years earlier. These are Trump's assessments; the supplied reports do not include responses from Russia or Ukraine. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
Trump's remarks contrast his assessments of Russia's and Ukraine's willingness to reach a settlement. The supplied reports do not include responses from either government to those assessments.
Key facts
- Trump said Zelensky could have settled the conflict many times but chose not to. [ 1 , 2 ]
- TASS reported Trump's view that Zelensky would have been in a better position had he negotiated two years earlier. [ 3 ]
- Interfax reported that Trump said Putin wanted a resolution when asked about possible Moscow visits by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. [ 5 ]