‘Time to make a deal,’ Trump tells Zelenskyy as he complains US has got ‘nothing back’ from Ukraine
Trump tells Zelenskyy: Time to make a deal with Russia
Poinews.com – US President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that it was time to make a deal with Russia, while criticising the level of American support provided to Kyiv during the war.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said Zelenskyy should be ready to negotiate. His comments came as diplomatic contacts involving Ukraine, European leaders and Russia intensified ahead of a planned meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We want Zelenskyy to make a deal. He can make a deal.”
Trump said the Ukrainian president had previously had opportunities to reach an agreement, referring to their contentious Oval Office meeting in early 2025. He argued that Zelenskyy would eventually need to pursue negotiations.
“He’s going to have to want to make a deal, because I don’t think his people are going to stand for it any longer.”
Trump questions the cost of US support
The president again voiced frustration over US assistance to Ukraine, saying Washington had given substantial support while receiving little in return. He also linked the war to pressure on American taxpayers and fuel costs.
“We have given tremendous amounts to Ukraine; we’ve got nothing back. Other than high diesel.”
Trump has criticised Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities, arguing that they can contribute to wider strain on fuel markets. His latest remarks placed responsibility for ending the conflict heavily on Zelenskyy as Ukraine continues to seek political, security and intelligence support from its allies.
Relations between Trump and Zelenskyy have remained uneasy since Trump returned to office in January last year. Tensions have increased in recent weeks as Trump has publicly questioned Ukraine’s strategy and pushed for a diplomatic outcome.
Oslo talks focus on peace and civilian safety
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskyy met a US delegation led by Witkoff in Oslo. Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre also participated in the discussions.
Witkoff is expected to travel to Russia on Wednesday for talks with Putin. After the Oslo meeting, Zelenskyy said he had recently held a constructive telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and again called for a three-way meeting with Trump and Putin.
Zelenskyy also addressed concerns about US intelligence sharing, saying support was functioning in ways that could help warn civilians about incoming missile threats.
“I’m speaking about early warning, what is very important for our people, for children, adults, civilians, because we can hear when ballistic is coming.”
Advance warning remains vital for Ukrainians seeking shelter during missile attacks. Zelenskyy’s comments highlighted that discussions with Washington cover not only diplomacy and military backing, but also systems that affect civilian safety every day.
What happens next?
In a later social-media message, Zelenskyy described the Oslo discussions as constructive and said Ukraine, Europe and the United States all wanted peace. He said the next stage would become clearer after Witkoff’s planned meeting with Putin.
“It was constructive because all of us want peace – Ukraine, Europe, the United States. And we will see what happens tomorrow.”
Whether Trump’s call that it is time to make a deal can produce direct negotiations remains uncertain. No agreement on a meeting involving Trump, Zelenskyy and Putin was announced.
Frequently asked questions
What did Trump tell Zelenskyy? Trump said Zelenskyy should pursue an agreement with Russia and argued that it was time to make a deal.
Who attended the Oslo discussions? Zelenskyy met a US delegation led by Steve Witkoff, alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Why is intelligence sharing important for Ukraine? Intelligence can provide early warning of missile threats, giving civilians additional time to reach shelters.