US President Donald Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, days after a tense Oval Office meeting between the two leaders. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called Zelenskyy’s statement that the end of the Russia-Ukraine war could be “far away” the “worst statement” he has ever made.
Trump’s criticism comes amid efforts by European leaders to rally around Ukraine and explore options for halting Russia’s war on Ukraine. The UK and France are leading a proposal to present a peace plan to the US, which includes offering troops to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy has stated that any ceasefire must include explicit security guarantees from Western countries to ensure that Russia does not attack again. Trump has refused to provide such guarantees.
Despite Trump’s criticism, Zelenskyy remains hopeful for US support in securing peace. In a statement on X, he said Ukraine is working with Europe and the US to end the war as soon as possible.
European leaders are adjusting to a policy reversal from Washington, following Friday’s bust-up between Trump and Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader had been in Washington to sign a deal for US access to Ukrainian minerals but left without signing it.
The European Union is set to hold an emergency summit on Thursday to discuss increased defense spending to show the continent can protect itself.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/3/uk-says-several-ukraine-truce-options-on-table-after-france-floats-plan