Putin’s a ‘little bit scared’ of Trump as nations begin peace talks, Zelenskyy says

Zelenskyy on Putin and Trump: A Delicate Diplomatic Dance

In a revealing interview that aired on NBC’s Meet the Press, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered candid insights into the complex dynamics between Russian President Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy shared his perspective on Putin’s mindset, Trump’s potential influence, and the delicate nature of peace negotiations. His remarks painted a picture of a geopolitical landscape marked by mistrust, strategic posturing, and the urgent need for concrete actions to end the devastating conflict.

Zelenskyy: Putin is a Liar, and Trump Has the Upper Hand

During his conversation with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Zelenskyy recounted a phone call with Trump in which he discussed Putin’s intentions. According to Zelenskyy, he told Trump, “He’s a liar. He doesn’t want any peace.” Zelenskyy believes that Putin is “a little bit scared” of Trump, suggesting that Trump’s leadership could be a pivotal factor in bringing Putin to the negotiating table. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about Trump’s ability to push Putin toward peace talks but also warned against trusting Putin’s words alone. “Don’t trust just words about a ceasefire,” Zelenskyy emphasized, underscoring the need for tangible steps toward resolution.

Trump’s Announcement and the Path to Negotiations

Zelenskyy’s comments came just days after Trump announced that Putin had agreed to “immediately” begin peace negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Trump has assembled a team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, to lead these negotiations. Zelenskyy expressed trust in Trump’s leadership, acknowledging the significance of the U.S. presidency and the bipartisan support Ukraine has received from America. However, he made it clear that Ukraine would not accept any deal that excluded its direct involvement. “We have to do it without basic things, where there are concrete steps,” Zelenskyy said, stressing the importance of a “real meeting” with actionable outcomes.

Zelenskyy’s Trust in Trump, but Cautions Against Putin

While Zelenskyy trusts Trump and values U.S. leadership, his skepticism toward Putin remains unwavering. He repeatedly emphasized that Putin’s words cannot be taken at face value, as the Russian leader has consistently demonstrated a lack of commitment to peace. Zelenskyy’s trust in Trump is rooted in the latter’s strength and the opportunity he sees for the U.S. to play a decisive role in ending the war. However, he made it clear that trust must be accompanied by vigilance and accountability. “I trust President Trump because he’s the president of the United States,” Zelenskyy said, “but we need it urgently. We have to do it without basic things, where there are concrete steps.”

Ukraine’s Stance: No Deals Without Us

Zelenskyy was adamant that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreement negotiated solely between the U.S. and Russia. “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine,” he declared. “Never.” For Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s sovereignty and the human cost of the war make it imperative that Kyiv has a seat at the table in any negotiations. He acknowledged the bipartisan support Ukraine has received from the U.S. but insisted that no world leader can make a deal about Ukraine without its direct involvement. This stance reflects both Ukraine’s determination to defend its interests and its deep-seated mistrust of Putin’s intentions.

The Road Ahead: Negotiations and the Role of the U.S.

As the situation unfolds, the U.S. continues to play a central role in efforts to end the war. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, has joined National Security Advisor Michael Waltz on a trip to Saudi Arabia to begin negotiations. While Zelenskyy remains hopeful about Trump’s ability to influence Putin, he also issued a clear warning: trust must be earned through actions, not words. For Ukraine, the path to peace is fraught with challenges, but Zelenskyy’s message is one of resilience and determination. The coming days and weeks will reveal whether the U.S. and its allies can translate words into actionable steps and bring an end to the devastating conflict.