Trump says Russia has "upper hand" as U.S. pressures Zelensky on peace plan
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
President Trump participates in a roundtable discussion at the White House on Dec. 8. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
President Trump said there's "no question" that Russia is in a stronger negotiating position than Ukraine and has the "upper hand" amid high-stakes discussions to end the years-long war.
The big picture: In a new interview, Trump aired his frustration that Ukraine has yet to accept a proposed peace plan, which would require major territorial losses and other concessions.
Driving the news: Trump said President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine were "losing" the war, more than three years after Russia invaded, per a wide-ranging sit-down with Politico's Dasha Burns released Tuesday.
- "I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit for the, you know, bravery and for the fighting and all of that. But, you know, at some point, size will win generally."
- He also said he believed it was time for Ukraine to hold an election, adding, it "hasn't been doing particularly well."
- Zelensky, whose term would've ended if not for the war, told Axios in September he'd be ready to step down after the war.
Zoom out: Trump, who has shocked the world with his past criticism for the Ukrainian president, described Zelensky in the interview as "a great salesman" and likened him to "P.T. Barnum."
- He claimed that Zelensky's people "loved" the U.S. proposal. But Axios recently reported that Ukrainian officials still believe aspects of the plan favor Moscow.
- Zelensky has framed the Trump-backed plan as forcing his embattled country to choose between its "dignity" and support from the U.S.
Catch up quick: The talks have largely centered around two key issues: Russia's demand for Ukraine to cede the entire Donbas region and Ukraine's ask for strong security guarantees from Washington to guard against future aggression from Russia.
- Trump said in the interview that Zelensky must "play ball."
- However, Zelensky has been adamant that his country does not want to give up territory to Russia.
Friction point: Burns questioned Trump on his son's recent comment that the president may walk away from Ukraine. Trump replied that the remark was "not correct" — but wasn't "exactly wrong."
Go deeper: Zelensky, Trump advisers discuss Ukraine peace terms in 2-hour call
