US President Donald Trump has voiced frustration with Ukraine’s leadership, suggesting that it has squandered multiple opportunities to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. His comments came after high-level peace talks between the US and Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine was notably absent.

Speaking to reporters on February 18, Trump responded to concerns that Ukraine was not invited to the negotiations. When asked whether Ukrainians should feel “betrayed or disappointed” about being excluded, Trump was unequivocal in his response.

“I’m really disappointed in what’s happened. I’ve been watching this for three years… I hear that, you know, they’re upset about not having a seat. Well, they’ve had a seat for three years and a long time before that,” Trump stated.

He went on to suggest that the war could have been resolved long ago with competent negotiation. “A half-baked negotiator could have settled this years ago without the loss of much land, very little land. Without the loss of any lives and without the loss of cities,” he added, implying that poor leadership in Kiev has prolonged the conflict.

Trump also questioned Ukraine’s political situation, hinting at the need for a fresh mandate for the country’s leadership.

“Wouldn’t the people of Ukraine have to say, like, you know, it’s been a long time since we’ve had an election?” Trump remarked.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s term officially ended in May 2024, yet he refused to hold new elections,........

© Blitz