US President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is “not ready” to sign a peace proposal drafted by his country that aims to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
US and Ukrainian negotiators wrapped up three days of talks on Saturday aimed at reducing differences between Russia and Ukraine, but in a call with reporters on Sunday night, Trump indicated that Zelensky was the one blocking the talks from moving forward.
Trump said, “I am a little disappointed that President Zelensky has not yet read this proposal, that was the situation until a few hours ago.” His team likes it, but they don’t read it.” He said, “I think Russia has no problem with this, but I am not sure that Zelensky would like it.” His team likes it but he is not ready.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also not publicly approved the plan for the ‘White House’, the official residence and office of the US President. In fact, last week Putin said that many aspects of Trump’s proposal were impractical. However, the original draft of the resolution was more inclined in favor of Moscow.
Zelensky said on Saturday that he had had an “important phone conversation” with US officials who are involved in talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Florida. He said he was informed over phone about the progress of the talks.
“Ukraine is committed to continuing to work in good faith with the United States to achieve real peace,” Zelensky wrote on social media.
Trump’s criticism of Zelensky came at a time when Russia on Sunday welcomed the Trump administration’s new national security strategy.
Meanwhile, officials said the leaders of Britain, France and Germany will meet with Zelensky in London on Monday. At least four people were killed in Ukraine in Russian missile, drone strikes and shelling on Saturday night and Sunday as three days of talks ended.