LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Trump Discovers Negotiating with Russia More Manageable than with Ukraine During Ongoing Conflict
President Trump conveys his confidence in Putin while criticizing Ukraine's position in the conflict.
08 March 2025 · 01:08 UTC
Trump expressed his trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, "I believe him," while suggesting that the Ukrainian government lacks adequate leverage in the situation.
He pointed out the difficulties encountered by Ukraine, remarking, "I'm finding it more challenging, frankly, to negotiate with Ukraine, and they don't have the cards. It may be easier dealing with Russia." This comment comes as Ukraine continues to develop its defensive strategies against Russian military operations, which have been ongoing for three years since the conflict's inception.
Despite implementing new sanctions on Russia, Trump showed an understanding of the military actions carried out by Russian forces against Ukraine, which have included extensive bombing campaigns.
He said, "I actually believe he's doing what anyone in that position would do right now."
The President underscored his established relationship with Putin, implying that the Russian leader is open to negotiating an end to the conflict.
He remarked, "I've always maintained a good relationship with Putin. And you know, he wants to end the war," speculating that Putin might propose more favorable terms than necessary, which he sees as a positive development.
Speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump cautioned that Ukraine's demand for Western security guarantees before agreeing to a ceasefire could endanger U.S. support.
He stated, "I don't know if they want to settle. If they are unwilling to settle, we're out of there because we want them to reach an agreement. I'm doing this to prevent further loss of life."
These comments highlight the ongoing complexities in U.S. foreign policy related to the conflict, as well as the challenging dynamics between the nations involved.