- “I am not responsible for war”.
- “I am not a big fan of the Ukrainian President”.
- Says, “I will not say that they have done the biggest job.”
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that he did not convict Ukraine leader Volodimier Zelanski for war with Russia, softening his earlier criticism of the Western-supporting leader, claiming that a mineral deal with Kiev could be signed soon next Thursday.
Trump has repeatedly falsely claimed that Ukraine launched the war and accused Zelanski of “millions” deaths this week.
Trump said at the White House with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, “I don’t hold Zelansky responsible, but I am not thrilled with the fact that the war has begun.”
“I am not blaming him, but what I am saying is that I will not say that he has done the biggest work, okay? I am not a big fan.”
Earlier this week, Zelansky invited Trump to visit Ukraine to watch the war of himself in an interview with CBS with CBS that Trump responded with dangers against the TV network.
His invitation followed a warm line at the White House between Ukrainian President, Trump and US Vice President JD Vance in late February, which was played in front of the press.
Meloni told reporters, “We are protecting Ukraine’s freedom together, together we can create a justified and permanent peace. We support your efforts.”
The remote leader threw the weight of Italy behind European efforts to shore Ukraine’s rescue since the Russian invasion began on a full scale in early 2022.
Trump said on Thursday that a deal with Ukraine could be reached by next week when the strategic minerals of the war-dismantled country.
Kiev and Washington were close to signing a deal until a February 1 struggle between Trump and Zelanski, who had temporarily worked on the agreement.
“We have a mineral deal that I think is going to sign on Thursday … next Thursday.
Treasury Secretary Scott Besent told AFP that a deal for April 26 is targeted.
