Trump: Hatred Between Putin and Zelensky Blocks Ukraine Peace Deal

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the animosity between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is a major obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a Ballroom Dinner event on Wednesday, Trump said he had nearly brokered a peace deal two months ago but was thwarted by the personal enmity between the two leaders.

"I thought we had a deal. The hatred of the two leaders is a lot; it is an obstacle. There's no question about it. But I thought we had a deal two months ago," Trump said. "Who would think I created peace in the Middle East and can't get the two guys to settle? But I think we'll get them."

Trump criticized Putin’s handling of the conflict, suggesting the Russian president should have won the war in Ukraine within a week, but instead the conflict has extended into its fourth year. "It doesn't make him look good," Trump said, referring to the prolonged war. He added that he hoped Putin would stop the fighting and prevent further casualties of both Ukrainians and Russians.

On the international front, Trump claimed that India had assured him it would reduce its purchases of Russian oil. "But if India doesn't buy oil, it makes it much easier. And they're not going to buy. They assured me they will, within a short period of time, they will not be buying oil from Russia," he said.

Last month, following his meeting with President Zelenskyy, Trump expressed confidence in Ukraine's ability to reclaim its territory. "I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form," he said.

Trump also emphasized the coordinated efforts of the United States and NATO to increase pressure for a resolution. "We're stepping it up together. We're all stepping it up. NATO has been great," he said during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.