Trump: Putin is more interested in a peace agreement than Zelenskyy
US President Donald Trump stated that Vladimir Putin is showing more interest in a peace agreement on Ukraine than Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In response to a question about the "energy truce" not being observed, he answered that "there were violations from both sides."
Trump: Putin is more interested in a peace deal than Zelenskyy
According to DW, Trump made these statements overnight on October 13 while answering journalists' questions.
One of the reporters asked what made the US president see Putin's readiness for compromise while Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine.
"I think they will reach an agreement. I truly believe Putin is more interested in making a deal than Zelenskyy," Trump said.
Responding to a question about Russia violating the regime he had announced regarding the cessation of strikes on energy facilities, he stated that the situation needed to be studied first.
"Because there were violations from both sides," the US president said. In the cited report, Trump did not list specific examples confirming this view.
When asked a follow-up question on how he would urge Putin to adhere to the "energy ceasefire," Trump reiterated his opinion that the Russian leader wants a deal and that Zelenskyy needs to be persuaded instead.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, had earlier called on the US to exert influence on Russia and ensure compliance with the ceasefire in the energy sector.
"We are waiting to see what specific steps the Americans are ready to take," the Ukrainian president said in his speech at the Warsaw Security Forum.
According to him, Kyiv was surprised to see messages on social networks on October 11 about an immediate cessation of all attacks on energy facilities. Zelenskyy noted that after this statement, Russia struck a thermal power plant in Kharkiv.
On the evening of October 12, the Ukrainian president reiterated on Telegram that Kyiv supports the initiative to stop strikes on energy facilities.
"Ukraine is ready to guarantee an energy ceasefire, as announced by the US president. Russia must also take the corresponding steps," Zelenskyy wrote.
According to him, no implementation of the conditions announced by Russia has been observed yet. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of the US position in de-escalating the situation and stated the need to exert pressure on Moscow.