The Kremlin says Donald Trump’s comments on Ukraine, including that Russia will win and Kyiv must cede land, align with Moscow’s view of the conflict.
MOSCOW: The Kremlin stated on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump’s latest statements on Ukraine align with Russia’s view of the conflict.
In an interview with Politico, Trump said Moscow will win the war and that Kyiv will have to cede territory.
Trump also called European leaders “weak” and urged Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to hold elections, comments which alarmed Kyiv and Europe.
“In many ways, on the subject of NATO membership, on the subject of territories, on the subjects of how Ukraine is losing land, it is in tune with our understanding,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
He described Trump’s comments as “very important”.
Trump argued Russia has a stronger negotiating position due to its size and stated Ukraine would never join NATO.
Following the interview, Zelensky said he was ready to hold new elections if security could be assured.
Moscow’s offensive, which prompted Kyiv to introduce martial law, has made holding elections impossible under Ukrainian law.
Russia has long called for Zelensky’s removal, labelling him an illegitimate leader.
“We will see how the events will unfold,” Peskov said regarding Zelensky’s announcement.
The United States has intensified talks with both Russia and Ukraine to end Europe’s worst conflict since World War II.
Trump said reaching a deal is “tough”, adding that “one of the reasons is the level of hatred between Putin and Zelensky is tremendous”.
