WASHINGTON, Apr 18 (Alliance News): US President Donald Trump said Thursday he does not hold Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky personally responsible for the war with Russia, easing his earlier stance as he announced progress on a strategic minerals agreement with Kyiv.
Speaking at the White House during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump acknowledged, “I don’t hold Zelensky responsible, but I’m not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started.” He added, “I wouldn’t say he’s done the greatest job, OK? I am not a big fan.”
Trump’s latest comments mark a shift from his previous claims blaming Ukraine for initiating the conflict and accusing Zelensky of causing “millions” of deaths.
Earlier this week, Zelensky extended an invitation to Trump to visit Ukraine and witness the war’s destruction firsthand. Trump had reacted to the invitation with a sharp rebuke aimed at CBS, which aired the Ukrainian leader’s remarks, further fueling tensions.
Meloni, who has emerged as a staunch supporter of Ukraine in Europe, reiterated Italy’s commitment to supporting Kyiv. “Together we can build a just and lasting peace,” she said.
In a notable development, Trump also announced that a delayed minerals deal with Ukraine is back on track and could be signed next Thursday. The agreement, which focuses on the extraction of Ukraine’s strategic resources, had stalled following a heated Oval Office exchange between Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance in February.
“We have a minerals deal which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday… next Thursday. Soon,” Trump said. “And I assume they’re going to live up to the deal.”
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later confirmed the expected signing date as April 26.
