U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters that placed responsibility for stalled peace negotiations squarely on Ukraine, identifying President Volodymyr Zelensky as the main obstacle to ending Europe’s largest land conflict since World War Two. Trump said Russia appears willing to end the nearly four-year-old war, while Kyiv remains hesitant.

“Putin Is Ready To Make A Deal”

Trump said he believes Putin is ready to wrap up the invasion. “I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said of the Russian president, adding that Ukraine was “less ready” to reach an agreement.

Asked directly by Reuters why U.S.-led negotiations had not yet produced a breakthrough, Trump replied with a single word: “Zelensky.” He later suggested the Ukrainian leader was “having a hard time getting there,” without elaborating further.

Rift With Allies Deepens Over Russia Strategy

Reuters noted that Trump’s remarks point to renewed frustration with Zelensky, despite some improvement in relations since Trump returned to office. The two leaders have long had a volatile relationship.

Trump has at times been more willing than many U.S. allies to accept Putin’s assurances at face value, a stance that has frustrated Kyiv, European capitals, and some U.S. lawmakers, including members of his own Republican Party.

US Intelligence Flags Risk as White House Pushes Peace

According to Reuters, U.S. intelligence assessments reported in December warned that Putin had not abandoned broader goals in Ukraine and parts of Europe formerly under Soviet control. Those findings were disputed at the time by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Negotiations Focused on Security and Territory

Reuters reported that after several delays, recent talks have centered on security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent another Russian invasion after a potential peace deal. In broad terms, U.S. negotiators have pressed Ukraine to consider relinquishing parts of its eastern Donbas region as part of an agreement with Russia.

Ukrainian officials have been closely involved in the discussions, which on the U.S. side have been led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. Some European officials, Reuters noted, doubt whether Putin would ultimately accept key terms discussed by Kyiv, Washington, and European partners.

Unclear Diplomatic Next Steps

Trump told Reuters he was unaware of reports suggesting an upcoming trip to Moscow by Witkoff and Kushner. He also said he would meet Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos if the Ukrainian leader attends, though no firm plans have been set.

Zelensky has consistently rejected any territorial concessions, arguing that Ukraine’s constitution does not allow the surrender of sovereign land, a position that continues to complicate efforts toward a negotiated settlement.