### Trump Shifts Blame: Zelensky, Not Putin, Impeding Ukraine Peace Deal In a recent series of statements, U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the primary obstacle to achieving a peace deal with Russia, a claim that starkly contrasts with the views of Ukraine's European allies. Trump contends that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to negotiate, while he believes Ukraine is "less ready" to make concessions necessary for peace. This rhetoric has sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly from European leaders who argue that Russia has shown little interest in ending the conflict that has persisted since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/donald-trump-says-zelensky-not-putin-is-holding-up-peace-deal/a181358863.html]. ### Breakdown of Trump's Claims and Reactions 1. **Trump's Accusation**: - Trump claims Zelensky is obstructing peace negotiations, suggesting that Ukraine is not prepared to reach a deal with Russia [https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/ukraine-russia-war-latest-today-b2900874.html]. 2. **Contrasting Views**: - European allies maintain that Russia is the true impediment to peace, arguing that Moscow has little interest in a resolution [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/trump-says-zelenskiy-not-putin-is-holding-up-a-ukraine-peace-deal]. 3. **Kremlin's Support**: - The Kremlin has echoed Trump's sentiments, agreeing that Zelensky is the one delaying the peace process, further complicating the diplomatic landscape [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3770555-kremlin-echoes-trump-blame-zelenskiy-for-delayed-ukraine-peace]. 4. **Zelensky's Response**: - In response to Trump's comments, Zelensky has reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to peace, stating that Ukraine has never been an obstacle to negotiations [https://www.marketscreener.com/news/zelenskiy-affirms-ukraine-s-commitment-to-peace-after-trump-s-remarks-ce7e58ded88eff20]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Statements from Trump**: - Trump has repeatedly stated that "Putin is ready to make a deal" while asserting that "Ukraine is less ready" [https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/trump-slams-zelensky-one-word-1620178]. - **Kremlin's Position**: - A Kremlin official confirmed their agreement with Trump's assessment, indicating a unified front against Ukraine's stance [https://www.millenniumpost.in/world/moscow-agrees-with-trump-that-ukraine-is-holding-up-peace-deal-644218]. - **Zelensky's Commitment**: - Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is actively seeking peace and is not the barrier to negotiations, countering Trump's narrative [https://en.vijesti.me/world-a/evropa/791473/zelensky-ukraine-has-never-been-and-will-never-be-an-obstacle-to-peace]. ### Conclusion: Diverging Perspectives on Peace Negotiations The ongoing discourse surrounding the Ukraine peace negotiations highlights a significant divide between U.S. and European perspectives. 1. **Trump's Position**: - Trump asserts that Zelensky is the main hurdle to peace, claiming that Russia is willing to negotiate [https://d2698.cms.socastsrm.com/2026/01/14/exclusive-trump-says-zelenskiy-not-putin-is-holding-up-a-ukraine-peace-deal]. 2. **European Allies' View**: - European leaders argue that Russia's lack of interest in peace is the real issue, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to support Ukraine [https://www.news9live.com/world/donald-trump-says-zelenskyy-not-putin-is-holding-up-a-ukraine-peace-deal-2919715]. 3. **Zelensky's Rebuttal**: - Zelensky maintains that Ukraine is committed to peace and is not the obstacle, challenging Trump's narrative and seeking to clarify Ukraine's position in the negotiations [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3770028-trump-blames-ukraine-for-peace-deal-stalemate]. This situation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the varying narratives that can emerge from different political leaders.