Mon Mar 31 02:22:40 UTC 2025: **Trump Criticizes Putin and Zelenskyy Amid Deadlocked Ukraine Ceasefire Talks**
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amidst stalled efforts to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Initially expressing anger at Putin for questioning Zelenskyy’s credibility as a negotiating partner, Trump later shifted his ire towards Zelenskyy, warning of “big, big problems” if a deal granting U.S. firms exclusive access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals was not finalized.
Trump’s mediation efforts, which include pushing for a speedy end to the over three-year war, have yet to yield a breakthrough. Putin rejected a joint U.S.-Ukrainian 30-day ceasefire proposal and suggested Zelenskyy’s removal from office. These actions, coupled with warming U.S.-Russia ties under Trump’s administration, have reportedly strengthened Russia’s position in the conflict.
Despite the stalled talks, Ukraine continues to face Russian aggression. Overnight attacks on Kharkiv wounded personnel at a military hospital and resulted in civilian casualties. Russian forces also advanced closer to the Dnipropetrovsk region border. Zelenskyy, in a Saturday address, urged allies to pressure Russia for a ceasefire. The situation remains tense, with the future of the peace negotiations highly uncertain.
First Piper 