Fri Feb 21 17:38:54 UTC 2025: ## Trump Claims Zelensky Unnecessary in Ukraine Peace Talks, Sparks Outrage

**Washington D.C.** – Former President Donald Trump has sparked outrage by declaring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presence unnecessary in peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. In a series of statements Friday, Trump claimed Zelenskyy is an ineffective negotiator, stating, “I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings. He’s been there for three years. He makes it very hard to make deals.” Trump further asserted that Ukrainian leaders lack leverage in negotiations, claiming, “They don’t have any cards, but they play it tough.”

These remarks follow recent discussions between Trump and Moscow regarding a ceasefire, which notably excluded Kyiv. The omission of Ukraine from talks held in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, along with Trump’s previous characterization of Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and his false claim that Ukraine started the war, have fueled tensions between Trump and Kyiv.

Trump defended his approach, citing his past interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and criticized Zelenskyy for complaining about being excluded from negotiations. “He complains that he’s not in a meeting that we’re having with Saudi Arabia trying to intermediate peace,” Trump stated. “He’s been in a meeting for three years and nothing got done.”

The Ukrainian government and European allies have expressed concern over being sidelined in these peace efforts, raising questions about the potential implications of a negotiation process that excludes a key party in the conflict. Trump’s comments have been met with widespread criticism for undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and potentially aiding Russia’s war aims.

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