Volodymyr Zelensky has implored US President Donald Trump to “force Russia into peace”.
Mr Trump repeatedly fumed about Vladimir Putin for questioning Mr Zelensky’s credibility and legitimacy – even admitted he was “p*ssed off” with his Russian counterpart – after Mr Putin insisted this week the war torn country needs new leadership. Mr Trump had been critical of the Ukraine President, claimed he was “sick” of handling the war and aiding Kyiv.
But now the US leader, 78, has jumped to Mr Zelensky’s defence – so he has taken the opportunity to to encourage Mr Trump to attempt to manipulate Russia. In a post on X, the President of Ukraine, 47, said: “Right now, Russia continues looking for excuses to drag this war out even further. Putin is playing the same game he has since 2014.
“This is dangerous for everyone — and there should be an appropriate response from the United States, Europe, and all our global partners who seek peace.”
Mr Zelensky’s message on X, which was known as Twitter, came after Mr Trump warned Russia it could face a new round of harsh economic sanctions for the flub in peace negotiations. Speaking to NBC host Kristen Welker, Mr Trump said this would include a tariff of between 25 and 50 percent on oil from Russia, as well as a warning to other countries that if they do buy oil from Putin’s country, “you can’t do business in the United States.”
Last night, Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Mr Trump and discussed the “productive negotiations between their respective teams on a UK-US economic prosperity deal.” A spokesperson for Downing Street said: “Prime Minister spoke to President Trump this evening. The President opened by wishing His Majesty the King best wishes and good health.
“They discussed the productive negotiations between their respective teams on a UK-US economic prosperity deal, agreeing that these will continue at pace this week.
“Discussing Ukraine, the Prime Minister updated the President on the productive discussions at the meeting of the Coalition of Willing in Paris this week. The leaders agreed on the need to keep up the collective pressure on Putin. They agreed to stay in touch in the coming days.”
During the alarming interview with NBC, Mr Trump also threatened to circumvent the constitutional limit stopping US presidents from serving three terms. The US leader added: “Well, there are plans… There are – not plans. There are methods – there are methods which you could do it, as you know.”
But the constitution’s 22nd amendment was approved and ratified after concerns were raised when Franklin D. Roosevelt became the only president to be elected for a third and fourth term in the 1940 and 1944 elections respectively.
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