Topline
Shortly after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Vatican, President Donald Trump accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of prolonging Russia’s war with Ukraine and threatened secondary sanctions in a post on Truth Social, days after Trump had issued another rare criticism targeting Putin.
Trump and Zelensky met in the Vatican on Saturday, just before Pope Francis’s funeral.(Ukrainian … More
Key Facts
In his Truth Social post, Trump said there is “no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days,” offering another criticism of the Russian president as peace talks with Ukraine continue.
“It makes me think that maybe [Putin] doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently,” Trump said, threatening secondary sanctions.
Trump made the post hours after meeting with Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, which Zelenskyy praised as a “good meeting,” though Trump did not mention the talks in his Truth Social post.
Trump had criticized Putin earlier this week, writing in a Truth Social post he is “not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” which he said are “not necessary, and very bad timing,” adding: “Vladimir, STOP!”
Trump’s Saturday morning post also took aim at media coverage of his mediation of the Ukraine and Russia peace talks, as well as both of his predecessors, former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, whom he accused of leaving him a “mess” to clean up.
What Did Trump And Zelenskyy Discuss In Rome?
Trump and Zelenskyy spoke inside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, the location of Pope Francis’s funeral, which brought together dozens of world leaders. Though it’s unclear what exactly Trump and Zelenskyy discussed, Zelenskyy praised the talks in a post on X, calling it a “good meeting” and a “very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results.” In Zelenskyy’s post, he said he hoped for “results on everything we covered,” including a “full and unconditional ceasefire,” protecting “lives of our people” and achieving “reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.” A White House spokesperson told CNN the two leaders “met privately today and had a very productive discussion,” stating the discussion lasted about 15 minutes and Trump and Zelenskyy both agreed to continue talks.
What Is The Status Of U.s. Talks With Russia And Ukraine?
Trump, in a Truth Social post on Friday, said work on a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia is “going smoothly,” as U.S. leaders have indicated frustration that peace has not come sooner. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States would walk away from talks if progress is not made soon, stating “if it is not possible to end the war in Ukraine, we need to move on.” Trump, when asked about Rubio’s comments by reporters, said if either party makes negotiations difficult, “we’re just going to say: ‘You’re foolish. You’re fools. You’re horrible people,’ and we’re going to just take a pass.” On Truth Social on Friday, Trump pressured Zelenskyy to sign the stalled minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine, which Zelenskyy had previously said he was ready to sign in March. In Trump’s interview with TIME, given on Tuesday and published Friday, Trump said Crimea would “stay with Russia,” which Zelenskyy has vehemently opposed, stating “Zelenskyy understands that, and everybody understands that it’s been with them for a long time.” Trump told reporters Thursday Putin has offered “pretty big concessions” to stop the war, stating he no longer wants “the whole country.”
Key Background
Trump’s Saturday meeting with Zelenskyy was their first in-person discussion since their Oval Office clash in February. After Zelenskyy said Putin could not be trusted to honor a ceasefire, Vice President JD Vance accused him of trying to “litigate” the conflict “in front of the American media.” Trump, in a raised voice, accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” and threatened to walk away from the Ukraine-Russia talks.
Further Reading
Trump Says ‘Crimea Will Stay With Russia’ After Rare Criticism Of Putin (Forbes)
