In a press conference held at the White House on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump made a bold statement, asserting that working with Russia is easier than dealing with Ukraine, especially in the context of ending the three-year-long war.
His remarks have drawn significant attention, especially as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
During his address, Trump did not shy away from comparing the two nations, saying, "To be honest, I find working with Ukraine more difficult, and they don’t have a trump card. It’s easier to work with Russia."
This comment comes as he pushes Ukraine to bring the conflict to an end. Over the past few months, Trump has applied immense pressure on Kyiv, halting all U.S. military and intelligence support to the country in an effort to force a resolution.
Despite his stern actions toward Ukraine, Trump took a softer tone when speaking about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While announcing heavy sanctions and tariffs on Russia the same day, Trump emphasized his relationship with Putin, stating, "I’ve always had a good relationship with Putin. And you know, he wants to bring an end to the war."
Trump’s remarks suggest that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is under considerable pressure to seek a settlement with Russia. Zelensky, who has been appealing for Western security guarantees, is at risk of losing U.S. involvement in the conflict if he does not seek a resolution.
Trump pointed out the stakes clearly, saying, "I don’t know if they (Ukraine) want to settle. If they don’t want to settle, then we will pull out because we want them to settle. I’m doing this to stop the deaths."
This latest move by the U.S. President signals a major shift in how the U.S. is approaching the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with a focus on reaching an agreement and ending the ongoing violence.
Trump’s comments not only show his frustration with Ukraine but also indicate his belief in Putin’s willingness to negotiate peace, despite the complex geopolitical situation.
