In an interview aired on Oct. 15, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the war between Russia and Ukraine will not reach a settlement while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains in office. Trump made the remarks during an appearance on Newsmax, criticizing Zelenskyy’s approach to negotiations and suggesting that both sides would prefer an end to the conflict.
Trump’s Statements on Zelenskyy and Negotiations
Trump described Zelenskyy as ‘difficult to negotiate with’ and claimed that the Ukrainian president does not genuinely seek a settlement. “Zelenskyy is not a good guy for us to deal with,” Trump said. “If they’re going to end up with a settlement of some kind, they’re not going to do it with him. He doesn’t want to settle. He says he wants to settle, but he doesn’t.” Trump also asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin harbors deep animosity toward Zelenskyy, complicating any potential resolution.
The former president further criticized recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing that such actions drive up global oil prices. “Now, if you tell me that Zelenskyy is again shooting at refineries, all he’s doing is making the world oil price higher,” Trump said. “I think that’s a disgrace. There’s plenty of other targets they don’t have to hit.”
Trump’s Historical and Policy Remarks
Trump attributed the origins of the conflict to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, which occurred under the administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama. “It really began with Barack Hussein Obama when they made them give up Crimea,” Trump stated. He described Crimea as ‘the most valuable part, by far, of Ukraine’, adding, “I’m a real estate developer. … I know good land.”
The former president also criticized U.S. military and financial assistance to Ukraine, asserting that former President Joe Biden provided hundreds of billions of dollars in support. “Biden gave him hundreds of billions of dollars, billions and billions of dollars,” Trump said, referring to aid distributed during Biden’s tenure.
Reaction to Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Infrastructure
Trump’s comments followed Ukraine’s recent attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have escalated tensions in the conflict. He suggested that Zelenskyy’s actions were counterproductive, stating, “When you shoot at diesel refineries where you make diesel, and we need that, and the world needs that, then he’s not doing a good service for the world.”
During the interview, Trump also expressed personal distaste for Zelenskyy, saying, “I’m not a big fan of Zelensky.” He added, “They’ve destroyed that country,” referring to the broader impact of the war on Ukraine.
Context on the Ongoing Conflict
The war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Since then, both sides have sustained significant losses, with Ukraine receiving substantial military and financial support from Western allies, including the United States. The conflict has led to widespread destruction, humanitarian crises, and global economic repercussions, including energy price volatility.