Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence in peace negotiations with Russia is not essential.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated, "I don’t think his (Zelensky’s) presence in these meetings is necessary. He makes the negotiation process very difficult."
Trump further remarked that Zelensky often complains about being excluded from such discussions. However, he pointed out that, the Ukrainian leader had been a part of similar meetings for three years without achieving any significant results. "I don’t think his attendance in these talks is important," Trump reiterated.
These comments come in the wake of a recent peace negotiation session held in Saudi Arabia, aimed at mediating between Russia and Ukraine. Notably, no Ukrainian representatives were present at the meeting.
During the interview, Trump also criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for their perceived inaction in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
When asked about potential meetings with Starmer and Macron, Trump commented, "They have done nothing, they haven’t held any talks with Russia."
He acknowledged Macron as a friend and "a good man" but maintained that neither leader had taken significant steps regarding Russia.
