TRUMP CRITICIZES ZELENSKY AND REAFFIRMS HE DOES NOT INTEND TO ALLOW IRAN TO DEVELOP NUCLEAR WEAPONS
United States President Donald Trump once again criticized his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, over the continuation of the war with Russia, arguing that Ukraine needs a leadership capable of negotiating a peace deal. In the same conversation with reporters, the American head of state addressed the Iranian nuclear issue and said he intends to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb, warning of the risk that the problem could require intervention again in the future.
The statements were made during a conversation with reporters as Trump was boarding Air Force One, as part of his travels around the country to attend rallies and fulfill other political commitments.
Trump holds Zelensky responsible for the continuation of the war
Addressing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said Zelensky had several opportunities to reach an understanding with Moscow but, in his view, did not take advantage of them to end hostilities.
"Zelensky could have solved this war many times. Many, many times. And he chose, he chooses not to do it," the American president declared, expressing dissatisfaction with the political and military strategy of the Ukrainian leadership.
One of the main points of his criticism concerned Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, strategic facilities for oil processing and fuel production. According to Trump, Washington had warned Kyiv to avoid operations against this infrastructure because of the possible effects on the international supply.
"We said they could do whatever they wanted with Russia, as long as they didn't attack the refineries, because that's a worldwide problem," he said.
Trump also highlighted the importance of diesel for the economy, claiming there is a major shortage of this In his assessment, attacks on refineries could worsen supply problems and have consequences beyond the borders of the countries involved in the war. When asked by a journalist about the daily suffering of the Ukrainian population in the face of Russian attacks, Trump suggested that Ukraine look for a new leader capable of making a deal. "I suggest they find a new leader who can make a deal," he said, adding that if he had been president of the United States when the conflict began, the war would not have happened. The American president concluded that, in his opinion, the time has come for Ukraine to consider a change in political leadership. Iran's nuclear issue continues to concern Washington During the same conversation, Trump was asked about the results he attributes to his policy toward Iran, particularly the goal of preventing the country from developing nuclear weapons. The question also raised the possibility of the United States reducing its involvement in the Middle East conflict and focusing its attention on other international priorities. In response, Trump reaffirmed that he intends to ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear bomb. The position shows that the Iranian nuclear issue continues to occupy a central place among his administration's security priorities. The American president expressed concern that the problem might not be definitively resolved and could require intervention again within a few years. In the view presented, preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons would be essential to avoid the United States facing the same situation again in the future. The statement highlights Trump's intention to maintain pressure on Iran, although the effectiveness of this strategy depends on several factors, including Iran's nuclear capabilities, diplomatic measures, international oversight, and relations between Washington and its allies. Two conflicts, different diplomatic challenges The statements on Ukraine and Iran show that Trump intends to maintain a firm position on issues considered strategic for American security. In the Ukrainian case, he insists on the need for an agreement to end the war; regarding Iran, he stresses the prevention of a military nuclear program. The two issues present distinct challenges. The war between Russia and Ukraine involves territorial questions, sovereignty, and security guarantees, while the Iranian issue is tied to nuclear non-proliferation and Middle East stability. Despite the positions expressed by the president, the outcome of both files will depend on how events unfold, on negotiations, and on the decisions of the various international actors.