KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized former US President Donald Trump over his Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting, held last month, left Ukraine feeling sidelined, according to Zelenskyy.
In an interview aired on ABC, Zelenskyy said, “I think that President Trump gave Putin what he wanted. He wanted this meeting very much.” He expressed disappointment that Ukraine was not invited, noting that Putin avoids meeting him but prioritizes meetings with the US president.
“I think it’s a pity that Ukraine was not there,” Zelenskyy added.
Economic Pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy endorsed US tariffs targeting countries continuing trade with Russia. He called it “the right idea,” adding that additional pressure is needed. The US has already imposed tariffs on India, accusing it of helping Russia through oil imports.
The Ukrainian president also criticized some European countries for continuing energy imports from Moscow, labeling it “not fair.” He urged a complete halt to Russian energy exports.
Possible Meeting with Putin
When asked about direct talks with Putin, Zelenskyy ruled out visiting Moscow during wartime. He suggested instead that Putin could come to Kyiv, though he admitted this was unlikely. Zelenskyy said he was open to “any kind of meeting,” including trilateral formats, but not on Russian soil.
He also warned that Putin “plays games” with both Ukraine and the US.
Trump’s Two-Week Deadline
Following the Alaska summit, Trump set a two-week deadline for Putin and Zelenskyy to begin peace negotiations. “My relationship with all of them is very good. We’re going to find out how good it is,” Trump said.
Critics of Trump argue that he often sets short deadlines for political solutions, but rarely delivers results once those deadlines expire.
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