Trump: Zelensky's participation in Ukraine talks not important

AFP Trump: Zelensky's participation in Ukraine talks not important Article by AFP • 1 hour • 1 minute reading time US President Donald Trump has once again opposed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: He does not think it is important that Zelensky is involved in the negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, the right-wing populist said on Friday in an interview with Fox News. "I don't think it is very important that he takes part in the meetings." Zelensky has been there "for three years." "He makes it very difficult to reach agreements," Trump said. Speaking to US governors in the White House, the US President later said that in his view the Ukrainians had nothing in their hands that could contribute to the talks on ending the war. He had had very good talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but "not so good talks with Ukraine," Trump said. "They have nothing on hand, but they are playing hardball. But we will not allow this to continue." Trump had previously sharpened his tone towards Ukraine. He called Zelensky a "dictator without elections" and accused him of being partly responsible for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. In recent days, the US government had started high-level talks with Moscow about ending the war, without involving Kiev or representatives of other European allies. This has sparked irritation and sharp criticism among Ukraine and its supporters.