Trump Eases Stance on Zelensky; Mineral Deal Set for Next Thursday

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U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 28, 2025. — AFP

Trump states, “I don’t place the blame on Zelensky” for the conflict.
He admits, “I’m not his biggest supporter.”
He remarks, “I wouldn’t say he’s done an exceptional job.”

WASHINGTON: Former President Donald Trump clarified that he does not attribute blame to Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, for the ongoing conflict with Russia. He softened his previous criticism of Zelensky, indicating that a minerals agreement with Ukraine might be finalized as early as next Thursday.

Trump has persistently claimed, albeit inaccurately, that Ukraine initiated the war, and this week he suggested that Zelensky was accountable for “millions” of fatalities.

“I don’t place the blame on Zelensky, but I’m not exactly pleased that the war began,” Trump expressed during a press conference at the White House alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“While I’m not blaming him, I wouldn’t say he’s done an exceptional job, alright? I’m not his greatest supporter,” he continued.

Earlier this week, Zelensky extended an invitation for Trump to visit Ukraine to witness the destruction caused by the war firsthand, which Trump responded to with threats aimed at the CBS network.

This invitation followed a tense exchange that occurred at the White House in late February, involving Zelensky, Trump, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, witnessed by reporters.

Meloni remarked to the press, “We have been united in defending Ukraine’s freedom, and together we can establish a fair and lasting peace. We are here to support your endeavors.”

The far-right leader has been a staunch proponent of European efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses since the full-scale Russian invasion began in early 2022.

On Thursday, Trump noted that a deal regarding the extraction of strategic minerals from war-torn Ukraine could be signed the following week.

Kyiv and Washington were close to finalizing the deal until a February conflict between Trump and Zelensky temporarily stalled progress.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed to AFP that the deal is expected to be concluded on April 26.