Trump Analyzes Prospects of Zelensky-Putin Negotiations: Intractable Hostility at the Forefront
U.S.
President Donald Trump expressed skepticism regarding the possibility of direct negotiations between Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to him, the deep personal animosity between the two presidents poses a significant obstacle to achieving peace.
During a conversation with journalists before boarding Air Force One, Trump stated that he was uncertain whether the two sides could negotiate directly.
“The hatred between Zelensky and Putin is incomprehensible,” he emphasized, highlighting that this mutual enmity has made talks nearly impossible.
At the same time, he acknowledged his role in halting seven wars, but admitted that ending Russia’s war against Ukraine proved more difficult than he initially anticipated.
Trump noted that, in his opinion, talks could happen in the near future—whether in the form of a summit or just a bilateral meeting.
“I might have to talk myself,” he said.
Regarding the format of future negotiations, Trump stressed that the format does not matter: if negotiations happen, they could be a large summit or simply a meeting between leaders.
He added that he is likely to participate, considering the two sides are so hostile they barely communicate.
Background details include Trump’s announcement on September 4 about his intention to speak with Vladimir Putin, and on September 12, Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are on hold, citing mutual distrust and deep-seated hostility as key barriers.