U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he is not a leader capable of taking genuine responsibility for ending his country’s war with Russia.
Trump told the Ukrainian people that they need a new president who can take responsibility for ending the war with Russia and negotiate an agreement with the United States to develop Ukraine’s mineral resources.
A day earlier, Donald Trump reportedly reached an agreement with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to purchase diesel fuel from Russia in an effort to ease the pressure he faces ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, scheduled to take place next month.
This further intensifies the strained relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, who have clashed several times during previous face-to-face meetings and telephone conversations.
The United States has supported Ukraine militarily and has repeatedly stated that it would help defend the country against Russia, which previously annexed parts of its territory.
However, President Trump now appears to be siding with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
