Trump criticizes handling of Ukraine war, claims conflict could have been avoided
US President Donald Trump this weekend criticized the handling of the war in Ukraine yet again, saying that the conflict should never have happened and could have been prevented through better negotiations.
“Russia [attacked Ukraine], but there was no reason for the invasion. They could have talked to this man. There was no reason for the attack, this was going on for years. There was no reason, and it should have never happened. This war should have never happened… Every time I said it wasn’t Russia’s fault…
“I’m telling you, Biden did the wrong things, Zelensky did the wrong things. They got attacked by someone much bigger and much stronger, which is bad. But they could have easily talked it out, this war should have never happened, and all these people should not have died, these cities should not have been destroyed,” he stated on Fox News.
Ukraine and US working on a new agreement to strengthen bilateral relations
The United States and Ukraine are working on drafting a new agreement to strengthen relations between the two countries, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pointing out the importance of the agreement in a video address:
“Today, groups from Ukraine and America are working on a draft agreement between our governments. This agreement can strengthen relations between our countries, and the key focus is ensuring the details are well-prepared for its effectiveness. I am looking forward to the outcome – a just outcome.”
Zelensky clarifies US aid Figures, denies Ukraine owes massive debt
Zelensky denied claims that Ukraine received $350 billion in aid from the United States, clarifying that the actual figure is $100 billion. He also assured Ukrainians that this assistance is not a debt:
“Ukraine has received $100 billion in aid from the US, not $350 billion. I personally negotiated with Biden that this [US aid] was a grant. A grant is not a loan. I don’t even acknowledge the $100 billion figure. [Presidential Chief of Staff] Yermak is currently in communication with our American partners. There is no $500 billion loan, and there are no interest rates. In this regard, we are moving forward. I will not sign anything that future generations of Ukrainians will have to pay for.”
The statement came as Ukraine discussed further military and financial assistance with the US and other Western countries.
