Ukraine’s Zelenskyy: Russia trying ‘to play’ game with Trump, stall peace talks

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KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyysays Russia is trying “to play with the president of the United States” and stalling U.S.-brokered efforts to end the war.

com/politics/zelenskyy-holding-up-russia-ukraine-peace-process-trump-says" target="_blank" rel="noopener">holding up the peace process.

“We always supported peace,” Zelenskyy said.“When you are at your home, in your house, on your territory, in your city, of course you want to stop it.”

Instead, Zelenskyy charged that Russia is attempting to drag out discussions to avoid making concessions.

“They try to play with the president of the United States,” he said.

25, 2026.

com/category/world/personalities/vladimir-putin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vladimir Putinis playing a game, Zelenskyy replied, “Yeah, I think so.Yeah.He needs to postpone any kind of negotiations.”

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to freeze the conflict along its current lines, proposing a ceasefire followed by negotiations.But he said he would not accept a Russian demand for Ukraine to surrender territory the Russian army has not been able to capture in four years of fighting.

Among the grand marble staircases and high ceilings, walls are decorated with giant portraits of soldiers, standing some 12 feet tall.

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President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a news conference after their meeting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, Aug.15, 2025.(Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Speaking one day after the conflict entered its fifth year, Zelenskyy accepted that some in Ukraine are weary of war.But he said peace proposals so far are heavily tilted towardRussia’s demands.

“Everybody wants peace, and a lot of people are tired,” Zelenskyy said.“But believe me, not everybody is ready … to eat what Putin cooked for us.”

The Ukrainian leader urged President Trump to visit his country, saying, “He will see such a result of the attacks.And he will see how the nation really lives.Not just surviving.”

Portraits of Ukrainian soldiers at the Memorial for the Fallen at Independence Square Maidan on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion in Kyiv Monday, Feb.24, 2025.(Bo Amstrup/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite massive losses, Zelenskyy hailed Ukraine’s fight.

“Russia couldn’t and can’t occupy us.They didn’t win, and for us, it’s a victory.We defended our independence and freedom,” he said.

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“They didn’t change the country.They didn’t change our flag.

“I’m sure that Russia recognized — really recognizes now — that it was a big mistake.”