US President Donald Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with the Ukraine-Russia peace talks, calling for more meaningful meetings. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the US is only willing to send a representative to meet with European and Ukrainian officials if the meeting appears "worthy" of their time.
Trump's frustration stems from the prolonged negotiations, which have seen over 30 hours dedicated to discussions in recent weeks alone. He has expressed extreme dissatisfaction with both Ukraine and Russia, insisting that he wants this war to come to an end.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is under immense pressure from Trump to sign up for the US peace plan. However, Zelenskyy remains skeptical of the proposal, particularly regarding the creation of a "free economic zone" in the Donbas region. The Ukrainian negotiating team has sent their revised plan to Washington, with questions over territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remaining major sticking points.
The US is pushing for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the Donbas region and establish a free economic zone in areas currently under Kyiv's control. In contrast, Russia had previously suggested that Kyiv hand over parts of Donbas to Moscow. A compromise has been proposed, with Ukrainian troops withdrawing but Russian troops not advancing into the territory.
Meanwhile, Trump's plans to vet visitors' social media, phone and email histories for visa applicants from dozens of countries have sparked criticism from free speech advocates. They argue that this is a clear example of censorship and shredding civil liberties.
Trump's frustration stems from the prolonged negotiations, which have seen over 30 hours dedicated to discussions in recent weeks alone. He has expressed extreme dissatisfaction with both Ukraine and Russia, insisting that he wants this war to come to an end.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is under immense pressure from Trump to sign up for the US peace plan. However, Zelenskyy remains skeptical of the proposal, particularly regarding the creation of a "free economic zone" in the Donbas region. The Ukrainian negotiating team has sent their revised plan to Washington, with questions over territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remaining major sticking points.
The US is pushing for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from the Donbas region and establish a free economic zone in areas currently under Kyiv's control. In contrast, Russia had previously suggested that Kyiv hand over parts of Donbas to Moscow. A compromise has been proposed, with Ukrainian troops withdrawing but Russian troops not advancing into the territory.
Meanwhile, Trump's plans to vet visitors' social media, phone and email histories for visa applicants from dozens of countries have sparked criticism from free speech advocates. They argue that this is a clear example of censorship and shredding civil liberties.