The key facts
- Trump said in a Newsmax interview that the conflict could be settled without Zelensky's involvement
- Trump criticized Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries over the risk of rising oil prices
- According to WSJ, Washington asked Kyiv at least six times to stop the strikes on refineries
Trump's statement
US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Newsmax that the conflict in Ukraine will eventually be settled, but the process may take place without the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 'I think they'll find a solution one way or another in the end. But it will happen without his involvement, because he doesn't want a deal,' Trump said. In his view, although Zelensky speaks of a desire for peace, in practice he is not making sufficient efforts toward it.
Criticism of the strikes on refineries
Trump also criticized Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries. According to him, such attacks could lead to rising oil prices on the world market, and Ukraine should focus on other targets.
On negotiations with Zelensky and Putin
The American president emphasized the difficulty of working with Zelensky. Comparing Vladimir Putin's and the Ukrainian leader's readiness for negotiations, he stated that reaching an agreement with Zelensky is harder than with Putin.
Context
Earlier, Zelensky said that Ukraine had resumed strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure. According to him, Kyiv honored the agreement on a temporary suspension of attacks on energy facilities, but is monitoring Russia's actions. According to The Wall Street Journal, Washington asked Kyiv at least six times to stop the strikes on Russia's oil refineries.
