Trump tells Zelensky Ukraine is 'not winning,' warns of US withdrawal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
28 Feb 2025 21:01

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin would respect a potential ceasefire with Ukraine, explaining his belief that Putin respects him.

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President Donald Trump, right, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Mystyslav Chernov)

US President Donald Trump delivered a stark message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting at the White House on Friday, asserting that Ukraine is "in big trouble" and "not winning" the ongoing conflict with Russia.

"Your country is in big trouble. I know you're not winning. You're not winning this," Trump told Zelensky, signaling his dissatisfaction with Ukraine's current strategic position.

Trump cautioned Zelensky against dictating terms to Washington, emphasizing that the US was seeking a resolution to the conflict. "We're trying to solve a problem. Don't tell us what we're going to feel, because you're in no position to dictate that. You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel," Trump stated firmly.

The US president also expressed his frustration over what he perceived as a lack of appreciation from Zelensky. "I've empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don't think he'd be a tough guy without the United States... you're not acting at all thankful. And that's not a nice thing," Trump remarked. He warned Zelensky that if no agreement is reached, "you're either going to make a deal or we're out, and if we're out, you'll fight it out. I don't think it's going to be pretty, but you'll fight it out."

Trump's statements come shortly after he dismissed the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO, citing it as a key factor that "started this whole thing." During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this week, Trump stated, "It's not gonna happen," effectively ending Ukraine's hopes of joining the Western military alliance.

His comments followed Russia's demand for the withdrawal of NATO forces from Eastern Europe, made during the first round of US-Russia negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Trump's stance aligns with his view that NATO expansion contributed to the conflict, reinforcing his opposition to Ukraine's membership.

Confidence in Putin

In separate remarks, Trump expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin would respect a potential ceasefire with Ukraine, explaining his belief that Putin respects him. "They broke it with Biden, because Biden, they didn't respect him. They didn't respect Obama. They respect me," Trump said.

He referenced past controversies, including the "Russia witch hunt" that he claims was a "Democrat scam" initiated against him and Putin. "It came out of Hunter Biden's bathroom," Trump added, suggesting that allegations against Putin were politically motivated.