Trump: “Russia is stronger, it’s time for Zelensky to read the agreement” – long interview with Politico

In big interview with POLITICO US President Donald Trump made a number of key statements about the war in Ukraine, the position of Kyiv and the future of European security.

His rhetoric sent the harshest message in recent months: according to Trumpexactly Moscow today has “a stronger negotiating position.”

“This is a much larger country. This is a war that should never have happened. And if I were president, it wouldn’t exist.”“, he said, commenting on the balance of power between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump also hinted that Kyiv slows down the progress of the peace plan: according to him, “Zelensky must read the last sentence of the agreement”because people are dying and his own team is “already supporting the document.”

Separately Trump touched upon the topic of elections Ukraine. He stated that the country “It’s high time” to carry them out and that war is used as a basis for postponing them, which “at some point ceases to be democracy.”

Answering the question whether he is ready to refuse the deal if Zelensky will continue to object Trump emphasized that Kyiv will have to cooperate: “Russia has an advantage. Putin did not like Zelensky, it is difficult for them to come to an agreement. But I’ve completed eight wars, and this could be the ninth.”.

Speaking about Europe’s position, he noted that its support for Ukraine is possible “until the front collapses,” but he reproached the Europeans for “talking too much and doing little.” In a new National Security Strategy that has alarmed allies, Trump argues that if trends continue, many European states will “no longer be viable” due to immigration policies and political correctness.

He spoke harshly about Paris and London, accusing the authorities of failing to control migration flows, and added that his sympathies remain with leaders like Viktor Orban.

Trump also criticized NATO expansion and recalled previous agreements under which Ukraine should not have joined the alliance. According to him, at the first meeting with the Russian leader Vladimir Putin Zelensky stated that he wants “Crimea and NATO”which, according to the ex-president, only worsened the tension.

He also noted that Russia wants to see “weak Europe”but emphasized that his own goal is “strong Europe”the priority remains the formula Make America great again.

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