Trump Blames Ukraine, Not Russia: Harsh Words for Zelensky
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World
February 20, 2025 05:30
riyadh, kiev, odessa - US President Donald Trump accuses Ukraine of war with Russia, criticizing President Zelensky for poor performance and low approval ratings.
Trump's Accusations Against Zelensky
US President Donald Trump blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the conflict with Russia, suggesting a peace agreement should have been signed earlier. Trump emphasized the need for Zelensky to avoid war and criticized his handling of the situation.
Three Years of Stalled Negotiations
During a meeting in Riyadh where Ukraine was not invited, Trump expressed frustration with Zelensky's remarks about the lack of invitation. He pointed out that Ukraine had been part of the negotiations for three years and criticized Zelensky for not ending the conflict sooner.
Trump's Criticism on Social Media
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Zelensky a 'mediocre comedian' who started an unnecessary war. He claimed that Zelensky led the US into a costly and unwinnable conflict and criticized him for refusing to hold elections and accept the lost funds.
US Representative in Kiev After Riyadh
Following the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, visited Kiev. Kellogg stated that his purpose was to listen to President Zelensky and understand Ukraine's security needs.
Kremlin's Satisfaction
Russian President Putin mentioned that Trump assured him of Ukraine's participation in peace talks. The Kremlin expressed readiness to engage in continuous dialogue with the US and Ukraine to resolve the crisis.
American Media's Three-Step Plan
US media reported a plan to halt the Ukraine war, including a ceasefire, elections, and a permanent peace agreement. The plan aims to bring stability to the region through diplomatic efforts between the US, Russia, and Ukraine.
Russian Targets Remain Firm
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov reiterated Russia's demands for resolving the crisis, including ending NATO influence in Ukraine and preserving Russian interests in the region. Lavrov emphasized the need for positive steps from the US to restore economic cooperation.
Russia's Recent Attacks
Despite ongoing negotiations, Russian forces targeted Odessa in Ukraine, causing civilian casualties and power outages. The attacks indicate the fragile state of the conflict as diplomatic efforts continue.