Donald Trump blames Zelensky for initiating the war with Russia, just a day after a devastating Russian attack in Ukraine resulted in the deaths of 35 individuals and left 117 others injured, including children. The devastating missile strike in Sumy has claimed the lives of 35 people and injured 117, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region.
Trump stated that both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin share responsibility for the “millions of people dead” in the ongoing conflict.
During a press briefing at the White House, Trump remarked, “You don’t start a war against someone 20 times your size and then expect to receive missiles.” He also criticized former President Joe Biden, blaming him for his part in the current circumstances.
Trump’s comments followed widespread condemnation of Russia’s assault on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which was the deadliest attack on civilians this year. When asked about the attack, Trump described it as “terrible” and mentioned he had heard that Russia had “made a mistake,” though he did not provide further details.
He stated, “Millions of people dead because of three people,” identifying Putin as number one, Biden as number two, and Zelensky as the third. While estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands have been killed or injured since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, the figure of millions is considered exaggerated.
Trump has openly questioned Zelensky’s leadership, stating that the Ukrainian president is always seeking to obtain missiles. He stressed the importance of being assured of victory before embarking on a war.
Trump has expressed skepticism about Zelensky’s leadership, suggesting that the Ukrainian president is constantly seeking to buy missiles. He emphasized that entering a war requires a clear understanding of one’s ability to achieve victory.
Trump has had a contentious relationship with Zelensky since taking office again this year, often suggesting that Ukraine is at fault for the war. Their tensions escalated after a heated meeting at the White House in February, where Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” and criticized him for not initiating peace talks with Russia sooner.
In contrast, Trump has expressed a desire to improve relations with Moscow. He mentioned having a “great” phone call with Putin last month, and shortly after, the Russian leader sent him a portrait as a gift. In February, the U.S. even voted alongside Russia against a UN resolution that labeled Russia as the “aggressor” in the conflict.
After failed negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials to establish a ceasefire, Trump expressed frustration with Putin but maintained that he had a “good relationship” with him.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Putin in St. Petersburg for over four hours, focusing on aspects of the Ukrainian conflict and potential pathways to peace. The discussions included key territorial issues and NATO-related concerns.
Witkoff described the meeting as “compelling” and noted that Putin was seeking a “permanent peace” beyond just a ceasefire. They discussed the future of five Ukrainian territories that Russia claims to have annexed and the issue of NATO’s Article 5, which obligates member countries to defend one another.
Witkoff expressed optimism about the potential for reshaping U.S.-Russia relations through commercial opportunities that could bring stability to the region.
Before the recent Russian assault, Zelenskyy encouraged Trump to travel to Ukraine to witness the situation firsthand before making any decisions about negotiations with Putin. He emphasized the importance of witnessing the impact of the war on civilians and infrastructure firsthand.
The recent missile strike on Sumy during Palm Sunday hit the city’s center, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Although Moscow claimed the attack was aimed at a gathering of Ukrainian troops, they have not offered any evidence to support this assertion.
Trump has stated his desire to “stop the killing” and hinted at upcoming proposals, although he did not provide specifics. The conflict in Ukraine has deep roots, dating back to 2014 when Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted, leading to Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for insurgents in eastern Ukraine.
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