Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that US President Donald Trump's administration sees only one way to end the Russia-Ukraine war: the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from areas of Donetsk under Kyiv's control.
In an interview with Axios, Zelensky expressed hope to end the war but voiced concerns about US pressure for concessions to Russia. He questioned why Ukraine should vacate its sovereign territory.
These statements sparked debate: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded that Ukraine decides how to react to Russian demands and that the US merely communicates Russia's terms. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin does not hide that talks are only possible after Ukraine withdraws from Donetsk.
During a meeting with Russian business leaders, Putin said the war would continue until the full capture of Donetsk. Analysts warn this could provide Russia with a springboard for further advances into eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky noted that recent negotiations with the US produced no results and expressed concern over Trump's weakened position due to the war with Iran. The Ukrainian president also highlighted Russian assistance to Iran in its conflict with the US, which he says is ignored by the Trump administration.
Rubio acknowledged Russian involvement in the Iran conflict but asserted it does not hinder US operations. This raises questions about the true nature of US-Russia relations.
Zelensky has publicly criticized Washington's policy and said Trump's diplomacy delays the end of the war. He believes such an approach encourages Russia to continue its aggression.
