President Donald Trump has made clear his expectations for any future meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stressing that further negotiations depend on a clear commitment to peace.
RT reported that speaking to reporters after a tense meeting with Zelensky at the White House on February 28, President Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of over-estimating his position and failing to show a real desire to end the conflict with Russia.
We are seeking peace, Trump said. We dont want someone to link up with a strong power and then refuse to reconcile because they feel supported... He just wants to continue fighting, fighting, fighting. As for us, we want to end the loss of life."
According to Mr. Trump, the continued US military aid will only strengthen Mr. Zelensky's position, making him less likely to negotiate peace.
We dont want someone to link up with a strong power and then refuse to reconcile because we feel supported. We do not want to get caught up in a 10-year war, Trump said.
President Trump reiterated that a ceasefire should be a top priority, implying that Zelensky does not want to consider a ceasefire.
The US president also noted that unlike Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin appears ready to establish peace and stressed that US policy should focus on cooling tensions rather than prolonging the hostile situation.
When Trump was asked by reporters if he would tell Zelensky to leave the White House, President Trump refused to answer directly, only saying, I think you know the answer to that question. "Zelensky wants to come back now, but I can't do that," Trump added.
Summarizing his stance, President Trump stated that the US will not continue to support Ukraine unless Mr. Zelensky takes steps towards peace.
Let me tell you... you have seen what I see today. They are not peace-loving people. And I only care if he wants to stop the bleeding, Trump told reporters.
