Fri Jan 24 20:13:30 UTC 2025: ## Zelensky Accuses Putin of Attempting to Manipulate Trump in Peace Talks

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of attempting to manipulate former US President Donald Trump in any potential peace negotiations regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s statement follows Putin’s praise of Trump and his expressed willingness to engage in talks with him.

Putin lauded Trump as a “smart” leader who might have prevented the conflict, echoing Trump’s unfounded claim of winning the 2020 US presidential election. While Putin stated Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukrainian issues, the Kremlin awaits signals from Washington. Trump has publicly stated his willingness to meet with Putin immediately and has threatened Russia with increased economic sanctions if the conflict isn’t resolved quickly. He has also suggested that lower oil prices, orchestrated through pressure on Saudi Arabia and OPEC, could swiftly end the war – a claim dismissed by Putin.

Zelenskyy, however, expressed skepticism, stating Putin aims to manipulate Trump’s desire for peace. He asserted his confidence that such manipulations will ultimately fail. Ukraine’s presidential office head, Andriy Yermak, further emphasized the importance of Ukrainian and European involvement in any negotiations, warning against excluding Ukraine from talks about its own future.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to rage. Russian air strikes near Kyiv killed three and wounded several others, while Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack targeting at least 12 Russian regions, including Moscow. These attacks represent the ongoing cycle of violence despite ongoing discussions of potential peace talks.

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