In a recent phone interview with NBC News, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting he should negotiate with Russia. Trump characterized Zelensky as a more challenging figure to engage with than Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him to reach a deal.
Trump stated, “I am surprised that Zelensky does not want to make a deal. Tell Zelensky to make a deal, because Putin is willing to do it.” This comment comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing discussions regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Earlier in March, Zelensky offered assistance to the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East regarding the interception of Iranian drones, citing the experience of Ukrainian defense forces in downing Russian drones. However, Trump dismissed this offer, claiming that the U.S. did not need help from Zelensky, stating, “The last person we need help from is Zelensky.” He declined to comment on whether the U.S. accepted Ukraine’s assistance with drone interception technology.
When asked about reports suggesting that Russia was providing Iran with intelligence on the location of American troops, Trump responded ambiguously, saying, “Russia may be providing information, or maybe not.” He added that the U.S. was doing something similar by sharing some information with Ukraine, emphasizing his desire to establish peace between the two nations.
Trump also addressed his decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil amid rising global prices, stating that he aimed to ensure oil availability for the world and promised to reinstate sanctions once the crisis subsided.
Trilateral Talks in Geneva
On February 17, a new round of trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia commenced in Geneva, Switzerland. Following the first day of discussions, Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, reported that delegations continued to work in groups on specific issues. The discussions focused on practical matters and potential solutions.
Umerov also held a separate meeting in Geneva with representatives from the U.S., France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to synchronize approaches for the next steps following the first day of talks.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, noted that significant progress had been made during the initial day of negotiations, with both sides agreeing to update their leaders and continue working towards a peace agreement.
The second day of talks on February 18 was characterized by Umerov as “intensive and substantive.” He indicated that both political and military tracks were discussed, including security parameters and mechanisms for implementing potential agreements. Umerov stated that some issues were clarified, while others would require further coordination. He emphasized the need to achieve a consensus level sufficient to present the developed solutions to the presidents.
Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, described the negotiations as “difficult but businesslike.”
President Zelensky remarked that the discussions had achieved a level of “constructiveness” regarding monitoring the ceasefire, with the U.S. committed to participating in this process.
On the same day, Kirill Budanov, head of the President’s Office and a member of the Ukrainian negotiating delegation, announced that another meeting would take place soon following the trilateral talks in Geneva.
Background on Ukraine-U.S.-Russia Peace Negotiations
In December 2025, a Ukrainian delegation led by Zelensky engaged in discussions with the U.S. regarding a 20-point peace plan to end the war. Umerov described the talks as productive, noting that some progress was achieved.
On December 24, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that four documents were discussed during the negotiations, with Washington seeking to understand Moscow’s willingness to conclude its aggression.
On December 28, Zelensky met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where they agreed on the peace plan’s terms and security guarantees. Subsequently, they held a joint phone call with European leaders to further coordinate the preparation of these documents.
Russia was briefed on the documents concerning the end of the war against Ukraine but did not provide clear consent.
On January 23-24, trilateral talks were held in Abu Dhabi, focusing on concluding the war and advancing the peace process. Umerov reiterated that the goal was to move towards a dignified and lasting peace, with a White House representative describing the meeting as productive.
Zelensky has emphasized that key issues remain concerning the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with the Ukrainian delegation awaiting specific responses from Russia regarding the war’s conclusion.
On February 4-5, further negotiations took place in Abu Dhabi, where the delegations discussed methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
On February 13, it was announced that the next round of negotiations would occur on February 17-18 in Geneva, as confirmed by Ukrainian presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn.
Umerov indicated that energy ceasefire discussions might be on the agenda for the Geneva talks.
On February 15, Zelensky reported on consultations held with Trump’s representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prior to the Geneva meeting.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky, urging him to negotiate with Russia. This comes as trilateral talks between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia continue in Geneva, focusing on potential peace agreements amid ongoing conflict.