‘Not fair’: Zelenskyy says Trump is pressuring Ukraine more than Russia amid talks to end war

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly criticised US President Donald Trump, saying it was “not fair” that Washington appeared to pressure Ukraine more than Russia during ongoing peace talks to end the war.

Speaking in an interview as negotiations continued in Geneva, Zelenskyy said Trump had repeatedly called on Ukraine to make concessions while placing less visible pressure on Moscow. “I hope it is just his tactics and not the decision,” Zelenskyy said, expressing concern over the direction of US mediation.

Trump, meanwhile, urged Kyiv to act quickly, saying: “Ukraine better come to the table fast. That’s all I’m telling you.”

Zelenskyy suggested it may be easier politically to pressure Ukraine than Russia, even as Kyiv continues to resist demands that could compromise its sovereignty.

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Ukraine refuses to give up territory

At the heart of the dispute is Russia’s demand that Ukraine cede full control of the Donbas region, most of which is already occupied by Russian forces. Zelenskyy warned that such concessions would be unacceptable to Ukrainians.

“Emotionally, people will never forgive this. Never. They will not forgive… me, they will not forgive (the United States),” he said. “This is part of our country, all these citizens, the flag, the land.”

Instead, Zelenskyy proposed freezing the conflict along the current front lines as a possible compromise, arguing such a plan could gain public support if approved through a referendum.

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Peace talks remain tense

The comments come at a critical moment, with the last major arms control treaty between the US and Russia expired and diplomatic efforts intensifying to end the nearly four-year war.

Despite his criticism, Zelenskyy acknowledged that his direct interactions with US negotiators had been respectful. “We respect each other,” he said, adding that he was “not such a person” to fold easily under pressure.