US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Reuters that Ukraine, rather than Russia, is the main obstacle to reaching a possible peace agreement — a position that sharply differs from that of European leaders, who continue to argue that Moscow has little genuine interest in ending the war. Speaking in the Oval Office on Wednesday (Jan 14), Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to conclude his nearly four-year military campaign in Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appears less willing to do so. “I believe he’s ready to strike a deal,” Trump said of Putin. “Ukraine is not as ready.”

When asked why US-led peace efforts have failed to resolve the largest European land war since World War Two, Trump answered simply: “Zelenskiy.” His remarks reflect renewed dissatisfaction with the Ukrainian leader. Although Trump and Zelenskiy have had a historically strained relationship, their interactions reportedly improved during Trump’s first year back in office. Trump has frequently shown greater willingness to accept Putin’s statements at face value than many US allies, frustrating Ukrainian officials, European governments and members of the US Congress, including some Republicans.

In December, Reuters reported that US intelligence assessments continued to warn that Putin still seeks to seize all of Ukraine and reclaim parts of Europe once controlled by the former Soviet Union. At the time, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard challenged that assessment. After multiple delays, recent US-led negotiations have focused on establishing security guarantees for Ukraine after any agreement, aimed at preventing another Russian invasion. As part of these discussions, US negotiators have urged Ukraine to give up its eastern Donbas region.

Ukrainian officials have taken part in the talks, which are being led for the US by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Some European officials, however, remain skeptical that Putin would accept certain conditions being discussed. Trump told Reuters he was unaware of a possible visit to Moscow by Witkoff and Kushner, which Bloomberg had reported earlier that day.

Asked whether he would meet Zelenskiy at next week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said it was possible but not confirmed. “I would — if he’s there,” Trump said. “I’m going to be there.” When questioned about why he believes Zelenskiy is slowing negotiations, Trump offered little explanation: “I just think he’s having a hard time getting there.” Zelenskiy has consistently rejected any territorial concessions to Russia, maintaining that Ukraine’s constitution does not permit the surrender of any part of its land.