Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says Trump lives in ‘disinformation space’ amid rift on Russia talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently expressed frustration with President Donald Trump, accusing him of being in a “disinformation space” when it comes to peace talks with Russia. Zelenskyy made these remarks in Kyiv after canceling a trip to Saudi Arabia, where the U.S. and Russia had engaged in peace talks earlier in the week.

Zelenskyy’s decision to cancel his trip to Saudi Arabia was viewed as a direct response to the agreements reached between Trump’s team and Russian counterparts during their meeting. Trump had also publicly criticized Zelenskyy and Ukraine, blaming them for not negotiating an end to the war sooner.

In response to Trump’s comments, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for U.S. security guarantees in any potential peace deal with Russia to prevent further violence. Trump’s envoy, retired 3-star general Keith Kellogg, arrived in Kyiv for talks with Zelenskyy, underscoring the importance of security and sovereignty for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the U.S. delegation in Saudi Arabia, meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss potential cooperation on various issues, including Ukraine. They agreed to establish high-level teams to work towards ending the conflict in Ukraine, proposing a framework that includes a ceasefire, elections, and a final agreement.

Reports suggest that a key aspect of the peace deal could involve forcing Ukraine to hold new elections, as both the U.S. and Russia believe Zelenskyy has a low chance of winning re-election. Diplomatic sources indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin sees the possibility of electing a more compliant president in Ukraine, which could lead to more favorable negotiations and concessions.

Overall, the tensions between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region. As peace talks continue and diplomatic efforts intensify, the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty and security remains uncertain. It is crucial for all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine’s independence and stability.