“It’s a pity”: Zelensky says Trump gave Putin what he wanted
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Zelenskyy accuses Trump of giving Putin ‘what he wanted’ at Alaska summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized President Donald Trump’s summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a new interview. Trump and Putin met in Alaska on Aug. 15, marking the first time Putin had been invited to the U.S. outside the United Nations since 2007. The summit came with high hopes that the two presidents would come to a ceasefire agreement that Ukraine and the European powers could live with after Putin’s invasion. However, despite the elevated expectations for the meeting,Trump and Putin did not come to an agreement. Trump had already vowed not to negotiate Ukraine’s borders, saying any land concessions could only be made by Zelenskiy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized President Donald Trump’s summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a new interview, saying it played into Moscow’s hands.
“It’s a pity that Ukraine was not there, because I think President Trump gave Putin what he wanted,” Zelenskyy told ABC’s Martha Raddatz on Sunday.
Trump and Putin met in Alaska on Aug. 15, marking the first time Putin had been invited to the U.S. outside the United Nations since 2007. Trump campaigned on ending the Russia-Ukraine war on the first day of his second term, but forging peace has proven elusive.
The summit came with high hopes that the two presidents would come to a ceasefire agreement that Ukraine and the European powers could live with after Putin’s invasion.
PUTIN APPEARS TO BE VISIBLY ANNOYED AS REPORTERS BARRAGE HIM AND TRUMP WITH QUESTIONS
Trump had already vowed not to negotiate Ukraine’s borders, saying any land concessions could only be made by Zelenskyy. He endorsed Europe’s calls for Ukrainian security guarantees ahead of the summit. However, despite the elevated expectations for the meeting, Trump and Putin did not come to an agreement.
“There were many, many points that we agreed on, most of them, I would say, a couple of big ones, that we haven’t quite gotten there, but we made some headway. So, there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump said at a joint press appearance following the summit.
While not agreeing to a ceasefire, Putin endorsed the idea of Ukrainian security guarantees at the press conference and called the talks “constructive.”
“I agree with President Trump, as he has said today, that naturally, the security of Ukraine should be ensured as well. Naturally, we’re prepared to work on that,” Putin said.
RUSSIA HITS UKRAINE WITH LARGEST AIR ATTACK OF THE WAR AS TALKS OF PEACE FLICKER
The relationship between Zelenskyy and Trump has been tumultuous since the latter resumed office. It bottomed out in February when Zelenskyy bickered with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in a remarkable, televised exchange in the Oval Office.
However, in a subsequent Aug. 18 meeting with Trump, the two got along much more favorably.
When asked if he would take Putin up on an offer to meet in Moscow, Zelenskyy rejected the idea, saying that if the Russian president wanted to meet while the war was still raging, they could do it in Kyiv.
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“Putin doesn’t want to meet with me, but he wants very much to meet with the President of the United States to show everybody video and images that he is there,” Zelenskyy told Raddatz.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Zelensky slams Trump-Putin Alaska meeting, says, ‘Trump gave Putin what he wanted’; urges tougher sanctions on Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised US President Donald Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. His remarks came in an interview with ABC News, days before Russia launched its largest wave of airstrikes since the start of the war. “Putin doesn’t want to meet with me, but he wants very much to meeting with the president of the United States, to show everybody video and images that he is there,” he was quoted as saying. Russia unleashed more than 800 drones and other munitions across Ukraine on Saturday night, killing at least eight civilians and injuring 59 more. The government’s cabinet building in Kyiv was among the targets. ‘I’m ready for any kind of meeting — but not in Russia,’ he told ABC News.
Speaking to the news outlet, Zelensky lamented Ukraine’s absence from the Alaska meeting.
“It’s a pity that Ukraine was not there, because I think that President Trump gave, gave Putin what he wanted,” Zelensky was quoted as saying.
“Putin doesn’t want to meet with me, but he wants very much to meet with the president of the United States, to show everybody video and images that he is there.”
Record drone assault on Ukraine Zelensky’s comments came just before Russia unleashed more than 800 drones and other munitions across Ukraine on Saturday night. Ukraine’s Air Force described it as a record assault, which killed at least eight civilians and injured 59 more. The government’s cabinet building in Kyiv was among the targets.
Calls for tougher sanctions Zelensky pressed the US and its European allies to increase economic pressure on Moscow.
“We all understand that we need additional pressure on Putin. We need pressure from the United States,” he told the news outlet.
“Some of [Europe’s partners] continue to buy oil and Russian gas. And this is not fair… So we have to stop buying any kind of energy from Russia. This is only one way how to stop the killer. Energy is his weapon.”
On meeting Putin: ‘He can come to Kyiv’ Zelensky dismissed Moscow’s demand that he travel to Russia for direct talks with Putin.
“He can come to Kyiv,” Zelensky said. “I can’t go to Moscow when my country is under missiles, under attacks each day. I can’t go to this capital of this terrorist. It’s understandable. And he understands it.”
While ruling out a meeting on Russian soil, Zelensky said a bilateral or trilateral dialogue remained possible.
“I’m ready for any kind of meeting — but not in Russia,” he told ABC News.
Security guarantees and lasting peace Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s long-term safety depends primarily on its military strength.
“Any security guarantees in Ukraine can be based only on our army,” he said.
He welcomed Trump’s stated desire to end the conflict but stressed the need for a “just and lasting peace.”
“It’s important to finish and not to have aggression again in six months, in one year, in two years,” he said.
Defining victory: ‘To survive is a victory’ Asked by the news outlet what victory looks like for Ukraine, Zelensky offered a stark answer: “Putin’s goal is to occupy Ukraine. Until he can do it, the victory is on our side. For us, to survive is a victory. Because we are surviving with our identity, with our country, with our independence.”
Also Read | Trump threatens second stage of sanctions on Russia over conflict in Ukraine
Zelensky on US-Russia Alaska Meeting and Ukraine’s Security
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his position in an ABC News interview, noting that this meeting gave Putin what he sought. He stressed that ending the war requires stronger and more coordinated pressure on Russia from the United States and European allies, as well as coordinated actions by the international community. Zelenski noted that the possibility of meeting Putin is not ruled out if the format ensures Ukraine’s security and aligns with its national interests. He also stressed that security guarantees can only be based on a strong Ukrainian army and on the support of allies. He said that the Russian leader is proposing terms that Ukraine will not accept.
After the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his position in an ABC News interview, noting that this meeting gave Putin what he sought.
According to Zelensky, Putin gained the opportunity to demonstrate his influence on the world stage and to intensify pressure through signals from the United States and European partners. Ukraine, in his words, was not a participant in these talks, but felt their impact on the dynamics of the conflict.
“It’s a pity that Ukraine wasn’t there, because I think President Trump gave Putin what he wanted. He really wanted to meet President Trump, the President of the United States. And I think Putin got it. And it’s a pity. Putin doesn’t want to meet me, but really wanted to meet the President of the United States, to show everyone the video and photos that he was there” – ABC News
Implications for Global Diplomacy
Zelensky stressed that ending the war requires stronger and more coordinated pressure on Russia from the United States and European allies, as well as coordinated actions by the international community.
“We all understand that we need additional pressure on Putin. We need pressure from the United States. And I believe President Trump is right about the Europeans. I am very grateful to all partners” – Zelensky
In addition, he noted that some partners continue to buy Russian oil and gas, which creates an imbalance in efforts to isolate the aggressor country.
“We must stop buying any energy supplies from Russia. This is the only sure way to stop the killer. We must deprive him of his weapons. Energy is his weapon” – President of Ukraine
Zelensky also stressed that security guarantees can only be based on a strong Ukrainian army and on the support of allies.
“I think the president (Trump) wants to end this war. But if we are talking about a just and lasting peace, it is important to end it and not have the possibility… of starting aggression again in six months, in a year, or in two years” – Zelensky
Regarding a possible meeting with Putin, Zelensky said that the Russian leader is proposing terms that Ukraine will not accept, but a bilateral meeting is not ruled out – simply not on Russian soil.
“I said: look, Mr. President, I am ready for any meeting, but not in Russia, any meeting, bilateral or trilateral. We would be glad if you come” – Zelensky
In the end, Zelensky noted that the possibility of meeting Putin is not ruled out if the format ensures Ukraine’s security and aligns with its national interests.
Trump ready to punish Putin, Russia after latest deadly assault on Ukraine
President Donald Trump said he’s ready to move forward to the “second stage’ of sanctions against Russia. Russia unleashed at least 810 drones and decoys in a massive attack that killed at least four people and injured 44. The move is intended to damage a critical revenue source that the Russians have used to keep their economy afloat during Western sanctions over the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine. Trump left the meeting with Putin last month sounding optimistic about a path toward brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. But in the time since, Russia has continued to hammer Ukraine, including on Sunday, when it launched its largest air strike since the war began. The president did not specify what he envisions as the ‘second stage’ of sanctions, saying only that he is ready to “move forward’ with the � “Second Stage” of sanctions.
Trump, asked by reporters whether he is ready to move to the “second stage” of sanctions against Russia, replied yes.
Speaking from the White House lawn ahead of his departure to the US Open in New York City later Sunday, the president did not specify what he envisions as the “second stage” of sanctions against Russia.
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3 President Donald Trump said he’s ready to move forward to the “second stage” of sanctions against Russia. AP
3 A fire at a Ukrainian government building in Kyiv, following an overnight attack by Russia. Ukrainian State Emergency Service/AFP via Getty Images
Before his summit with Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin last month in Alaska, Trump had threatened to impose a suite of blistering fresh sanctions and tariffs targeting countries that import Russian oil.
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The move is intended to damage a critical revenue source that the Russians have used to keep their economy afloat during Western sanctions over the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine.
“[Sunday’s] barbaric attack proved we have to do whatever it takes to stop Russian war machine fueled by oil and gas revenue,’’ Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko told The Post.
“We appreciate President Trump’s prompt reaction and a strong signal of readiness to impose secondary sanctions on Russia. This step is very important for Ukraine as our people continue to suffer every day from Russian strikes of increasing scale.
“We hope this decision comes effective soon.”
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Trump left the meeting with Putin last month sounding optimistic about a path toward brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. But in the time since, Russia has continued to hammer Ukraine, including on Sunday.
Overnight, Russia unleashed at least 810 drones and decoys in a massive attack that killed at least four people and injured 44 — while targeting Ukraine’s central government building in Kyiv for the first time.
Ukraine claims to have intercepted more than 745 of the drones and four missiles fired by Russia.
Russia’s previous record for an aerial bombardment occurred in July, when it fired off 728 drones into Ukraine.
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3 Despite Trump’s optimism for peace after a recent summit with Putin, Russia has continually battered Ukraine. KRISTINA KORMILITSYNA/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock
Top officials in Ukraine urged the rest of the world to respond with punitive measures against Russia.
“For the first time, the government building was damaged by an enemy attack, including the roof and upper floors,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko declared in a statement. “We will restore the buildings, but lost lives cannot be returned.”
“The world must respond to this destruction not only with words, but with actions. There is a need to strengthen sanctions pressure — primarily against Russian oil and gas.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the “ruthless” attack from Russia and vowed to take an “appropriate response.”
Recently, Zelensky rejected Putin’s invitation to Moscow for talks, saying that the Russian tyrant can come to Kyiv instead.
“He wanted very much to meet with President Trump, with the President of the United States,” Zelensky reflected about the Alaska summit to ABC News’ “This Week.” “And I think that … Putin got it. And, it’s a pity.
“Putin doesn’t want to meet with me, but he wants very much to meet with the President of the United States, to show everybody video and images that he is there.”
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Trump had been quiet in the public eye on Russia’s latest attack against Ukraine before his brief remarks to reporters ahead of his trip to the US Open.
-Additional reporting by Caitlin Doornbos
Zelenskyy said that even Putin is not against Ukraine in the EU, but not Hungary. Budapest: We don’t care
President of Hungary says Russia does not want Ukraine to join the European Union. President: “We don’t care what Moscow thinks. The only thing we care about is what the people of Ukraine think” Putin: “It’s a pity that they are accepting reality with such a delay. It’s not good for us to wait for Russia to make a decision” for Ukraine to be in the EU, he said. “We want to be part of the EU,” he added.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted during a joint press conference with the head of the European Council Antonio Costa that now even the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin states that he is not against Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, unlike Hungary. The latter’s foreign minister Peter Szijjártó replied that Russia’s position allegedly does not influence his country’s opinion.
Zelenskyy emphasized that all of the partners equally see Ukraine as part of the European Union: “This is a really huge change. Ukraine’s membership in the EU is a guarantee of security. It is about economic security and geopolitical security. I am grateful to everyone who sees the situation this way. Ukraine’s membership in the EU is also supported by America, which believes that our security for everyone on the [European] continent should be a common European cause.”
He also added that Kyiv is finally hearing signals from Russia that it “already accepts [Ukraine’s] membership in the EU.”
“It’s a pity that they are accepting reality with such a delay – since 2013, Russia has been coming to this simple idea. But now some of Russia’s other great friends in Europe need to hear this: even if Putin does not deny it, the positions of some countries, especially Hungary regarding clusters in the negotiations, look really strange,” the Ukrainian leader emphasized.
Subsequently, the head of Hungarian diplomacy, Szijjártó, reacted to this statement, saying that Zelenskyy allegedly “judges by his own standards” and that his position is allegedly “dictated from abroad,” while Hungary’s opinion is not.
“We don’t care what Moscow thinks about Ukraine’s EU membership. The only thing we care about is what the Hungarian people think, and they have spoken clearly: they don’t want Ukraine in the EU, as it would destroy our farmers, our labor market, and our security (This is probably a reference to this year’s “national poll” in Hungary, the results of which were called by the opposition and the country’s media falsified). So no matter how much Zelenskyy counts on Russia to influence us, Hungary will not support Ukraine’s EU accession,” he said.