The Ukrainian leader believes Moscow is manipulating the US.
According to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, former U.S. President Donald Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a public relations win during their meeting in Alaska last month.
Trump and Putin met on August 15 to discuss a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. While no major progress was made, both sides described the meeting as constructive.
In an interview with ABC News’ Martha Raddatz, Zelensky stated, “It’s a pity that Ukraine was not there, because I think that President Trump gave Putin what he wanted.”
Zelensky continued, “He wanted very much to meet with President Trump, with the president of the United States. And I think that Putin got it. And, it’s a pity,”
Zelensky also accused Putin of “playing games with the United States,” alleging that the Russian president sought “to show everybody video and images” from his meeting with Trump.
He urged increased pressure on Russia, arguing that it is “not fair” that some EU nations continue purchasing Russian oil and gas.
Trump previously criticized both Russia and Ukraine, but recently suggested he might impose further sanctions on Moscow. He had already imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports of Russian oil.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine recognize its new borders and abandon its aspirations to join NATO. Moscow has also stated that ending Western arms shipments to Ukraine is a precondition for a ceasefire.
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