africon 
Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing Trump of handing Moscow a symbolic win while sidelining Ukraine from critical peace negotiations.
The August 15 meeting in Alaska, billed as a step toward ending the war in Ukraine, produced no formal breakthroughs. Yet both Trump and Putin described the summit as “positive.” Zelensky, however, sees it differently.
Zelensky argued that Putin was “playing games with the United States,” using the summit to generate favorable optics and project legitimacy. “He wants to show everybody video and images that he is there,” Zelensky added.
Energy, Sanctions, and Strategic Pressure
The Ukrainian leader also called for increased pressure on Moscow, criticizing European nations that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. “This is not fair,” Zelensky said, urging allies to cut off energy flows that fund Russia’s war machine.
Trump, who has previously criticized both Russia and Ukraine, hinted Sunday that he may impose additional sanctions on Moscow. Earlier this year, his administration levied a 25% tariff on Indian imports of Russian oil, signaling a broader strategy to disrupt Russia’s energy exports.
Ceasefire Demands and Stalled Diplomacy
Russia has laid out conditions for a ceasefire, including:
- Recognition of new territorial borders
- Abandonment of Ukraine’s NATO aspirations
- An end to Western weapons deliveries
Zelensky has rejected these terms, calling them unacceptable while his country remains under daily attack. Despite Trump’s push for a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin, Moscow has insisted that any talks must take place in Moscow—a condition Zelensky has refused.
About The Author
