Ukrainian President Zelenski rejects Trump’s Ukraine demands as unfair, while White House defends US president’s approach.
Trump Demands Concessions from Ukraine
Donald Trump is demanding concessions from Volodymyr Zełenski to end the war. The Ukrainian president stated on Tuesday, February 17, in an interview with Axios, that this is “unfair.” He emphasized that “surrendering victory” to Vladimir Putin is not a way to create lasting peace.
White House Responds to Zełenski
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt addressed Zełenski’s comments during a Wednesday press conference. According to her, in Trump’s view, the death of thousands of Ukrainians and Russians is “fair.” She also reminded that it is the US president who has engaged a team to end the war, the costs of which are also borne by Americans, even though the war is being fought “very far” from the US.
Zełenski Ready for Talks, Russia Sets Conditions
According to Axios reports, the Trump administration has proposed that Ukraine withdraw its army from Donbas. A demilitarized zone would then be created there. However, it has not been determined who would manage it. Russia demands this territory.
Zełenski is willing to talk about the proposal but demands that Moscow also withdraw its troops. He rejected the possibility of handing over Donbas to Russia, stating that citizens would “not forgive” him if he agreed to such a proposal.