Trump's former adviser Cortes said Zelensky 'has no cards' in peace talks

Former adviser to Donald Trump Steve Cortes interpreted the US president's statement as a signal to Kyiv about the need to agree to a peaceful settlement. He wrote on X that Zelensky 'has no cards.' Trump had previously repeatedly criticized the Ukrainian leader over the peace deal.

Sevara AzamovaFirst published on tafs uz 23 October 2026 at 11:281 min read

The key facts

Steve Cortes believes Trump signaled to Zelensky the need for a peace agreement
On October 10, Trump suggested Ukraine consider changing its leadership
On October 19, Trump accused Zelensky of a missed opportunity to end the conflict on better terms

Trump's former adviser commented on the US president's statement

Former adviser to the American president Steve Cortes commented on social network X about Donald Trump's statement on the Ukrainian conflict. In his view, Trump made it clear to Volodymyr Zelensky that Kyiv needs to agree to a peaceful settlement. Cortes interpreted the White House chief's words as a reminder to the Ukrainian leadership of its limited bargaining leverage and the need to reach an agreement to end the conflict. 'The president is once again making it clear that the ungrateful Zelensky has no cards and must reach a peace agreement,' Cortes wrote.

Background of Trump's criticism of Zelensky

As Life.ru notes, Trump had previously repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with Zelensky's position on the peaceful settlement. On October 10, the American president suggested Ukraine consider changing its leadership, saying Kyiv needs a leader capable of concluding an agreement. On October 16, press secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov supported Trump's assessment of Zelensky's unwillingness to take responsibility for peace. On October 19, Trump accused the Ukrainian politician of a missed opportunity to end the conflict on more favorable terms.