Trump Says Ukraine Has “Time to Make a Deal” With Russia
Usagevpn.com – US President Donald Trump said it was time to make a deal, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek an agreement with Russia as the war continues to cause heavy human and economic losses.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said Zelenskyy should be ready to negotiate with Moscow. His comments came as US officials prepared for further diplomatic contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin and after talks involving Zelenskyy and US representatives in Oslo.
“We want Zelenskyy to make a deal. He can make a deal.”
Trump said Ukraine’s president could have taken a different path earlier in the conflict, referring to their contentious Oval Office meeting in early 2025. He also questioned whether public support in Ukraine could sustain the war indefinitely.
“He’s going to have to want to make a deal, because I don’t think his people are going to stand for it any longer.”
Trump questions the cost of US support
Trump again focused on the cost of American assistance to Ukraine, arguing that the United States had received little in return for its support. He cited the deaths, disruption and financial burden associated with the war.
“We have given tremendous amounts to Ukraine; we’ve got nothing back. Other than high diesel.”
His remarks on diesel prices followed criticism of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s energy sector, which Trump has linked to pressure on global fuel markets. Relations between Trump and Zelenskyy have become more strained in recent weeks after Trump reached a diesel arrangement with Putin.
The dispute comes at a politically important time for Trump ahead of midterm elections that will decide control of Congress during the final two years of his presidency. US spending on Ukraine, the economic effects of the war and the push for negotiations are likely to remain major foreign-policy issues.
Oslo talks and diplomacy with Putin
Trump’s comments followed discussions in Oslo involving Zelenskyy, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and a US delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Russia on Wednesday to meet Putin.
After the Oslo meeting, Zelenskyy sounded more optimistic about contacts with Washington. He said he had recently had a constructive telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and repeated his call for a three-way meeting with Trump and Putin.
For Zelenskyy, a trilateral format would ensure Ukraine is directly involved in discussions that could affect its security, territory and future. While Trump has said it is time to make a deal, Kyiv has continued to stress that no settlement should be negotiated without Ukraine’s participation.
Intelligence sharing and civilian protection
Zelenskyy also addressed US intelligence cooperation during a press conference with Nordic leaders. He said early-warning information remained vital because it can help civilians respond to incoming ballistic threats.
“I’m speaking about early warning, what is very important for our people, for children, adults, civilians, because we can hear when ballistic is coming.”
Early warnings can provide people with additional time to reach shelter during missile attacks. Zelenskyy’s remarks highlighted that intelligence sharing remains an immediate safety issue as well as a key element of military cooperation.
FAQ: What does “time to make a deal” mean?
What did Trump mean by “time to make a deal”? Trump said Zelenskyy should pursue a negotiated agreement with Russia rather than continue the war without a settlement.
Has a meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy and Putin been confirmed? No trilateral meeting was confirmed. Zelenskyy has called for one, while US officials continue diplomatic contacts with both Ukraine and Russia.
Why is intelligence sharing important for Ukraine? Zelenskyy said early-warning intelligence can help civilians prepare for ballistic attacks and seek shelter more quickly.
