Trump likes to make deals. But you have to see the forest through the trees.
And now Donald Trump slammed a world leader for making a completely unreasonable demand of him.
Trump’s Firm Stance on Ukraine Peace Negotiations
President Donald Trump expressed strong disagreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, following Zelensky’s dismissal of a proposed territorial exchange with Russia as a means to conclude the ongoing conflict—a bold move by Trump aimed at swiftly restoring stability in the region.
Speaking to journalists in the White House Briefing Room, Trump highlighted his frustration while emphasizing his vision for a pragmatic resolution. “I get along with Zelensky, but, you know, I disagree with what he’s done, very, very severely disagree. This is a war that should have never happened,” Trump said.
“I was a little bothered by the fact that Zelensky was saying, ‘Well, I have to get constitutional approval.’ I mean, he’s got approval to go into war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap, because there’ll be some land swapping going on. I know that through Russia and through conversations with everybody — for the good of Ukraine,” he added. “Russia has occupied a big portion of Ukraine. They’ve occupied some very prime territory. We’re going to try to get some of that territory back for Ukraine.”
Trump’s approach reflects a determined effort to broker a deal that could benefit Ukraine by reclaiming key areas, showcasing his negotiation skills in international diplomacy.
Zelensky’s Rejection and the Proposed Land Exchange
Zelensky firmly opposed the idea over the weekend, stating on Saturday that “Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier,” and adding, “Any decisions made against us, any decisions made without Ukraine, are at the same time decisions against peace. They will bring nothing. These are dead decisions; they will never work.”
The concept of a land swap emerged from Trump’s discussions last Friday, ahead of his announced summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska later this week. Reports indicate Putin conveyed to Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff a willingness to halt the war in return for control over the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have seized substantial territory amid ongoing Ukrainian resistance.
“Putin, I believe, wants to see peace, and [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky wants to see peace,” Trump said at the White House last Friday.
He elaborated that there would be “some swapping” of territories between Russia and Ukraine.
“It’s very complicated, but we’re going to get some back and we’re going to get some switched … to the betterment of both.”
Trump’s proactive proposal aims to facilitate a balanced outcome, potentially ending the bloodshed while advancing Ukraine’s interests through strategic adjustments.
Upcoming Summit and Trump’s Mediation Role
Although Zelensky has not been invited to the initial Alaska meeting, Trump has conditioned the talks on Putin’s commitment to subsequent discussions with the Ukrainian leader. In recent statements, Trump has directed pointed criticism toward Putin for attacks on civilian areas, while now urging Zelensky to embrace flexibility for peace.
“We’re going to have a meeting with Vladimir Putin, and at the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I’ll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made,” Trump said on Monday. “Ultimately, I’m going to put the two of them in a room. I’ll be there, or I won’t be there, and I think it’ll get solved.”
This hands-on involvement by Trump positions him as a key architect of potential resolution, leveraging his influence to drive a swift and equitable end to the war.
