U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he does not hold Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky personally responsible for the war in Ukraine, although he expressed lukewarm sentiments about the Ukrainian leader.
“I don’t consider Zelensky responsible, but I’m not thrilled the war started,” Trump told reporters at a White House press conference. “I’m not happy with him, and I’m not happy with anyone involved.”
While distancing himself from direct criticism, Trump added:
“I’m not blaming him, but I wouldn’t say he’s done the best job either.”
Reiterating a familiar claim, Trump said there was “no way” Russian President Vladimir Putin would have invaded Ukraine if Trump were in office at the time. He said he is now trying to “make it stop.”
Strategic Mineral Agreement on the Horizon
In addition to his comments on the war, Trump revealed that a major mineral extraction deal with Ukraine could be signed next Thursday.
“We have a mineral deal that I think will be signed on Thursday… next Thursday. Soon. And I suppose they will honor the deal. So we’ll see,” Trump said.
Negotiations for the deal, which focuses on Ukraine’s strategic mineral reserves, had been underway but were temporarily stalled due to a brief clash between Trump and Zelensky earlier this year.
Ukrainian President Zelensky previously stated that both countries were working toward signing a memorandum of understanding on the deal, which would mark a significant step in post-war economic cooperation between Kyiv and Washington.
