Trump Says Zelensky Is Holding Up a Ukraine Peace Deal, Claims Putin Is Ready

The remarks underscore a rift with European allies who question Russia’s intent to end the war.

Overview

In a Jan. 14 Reuters interview at the Oval Office, Trump said Ukraine is “less ready” to close a deal and answered “Zelensky” when asked why U.S.-led talks have not ended the conflict.
The Kremlin backed Trump’s view, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Russia is open to negotiations and that its position is well known to U.S. envoys.
Kyiv has publicly ruled out territorial concessions under its constitution as recent U.S.-led discussions center on security guarantees and reported pressure over the Donbass region.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have engaged Ukrainian officials, and Moscow indicated it would welcome their visit for further talks.
Trump said he could meet Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos if both attend, though no meeting is planned, as European officials and prior U.S. intelligence warn Moscow may resist key terms.