Zelenskyy Calls Trump Talks 'Very Good,' Cites Crimea as Conflict's Origin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described his recent phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump as "very good," covering key topics including the war, its origins, diplomatic avenues, and the positions of international partners. Zelenskyy specifically praised Trump's remarks concerning Crimea, calling them "absolutely accurate" and asserting that Russia's annexation of the peninsula was the catalyst for the ongoing conflict.

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President Donald Trump and I had a very good conversation today on many key topics: the war, its causes, diplomatic possibilities, and the positions of our partners.

"If there had been strong leadership then, this entire war would simply not have started," Zelenskyy stated, referencing the 2014 annexation. He conveyed a unified wish from all Ukrainians to President Trump: the achievement of peace and success, in collaboration with the United States and its partners. He stressed the importance of full support from the American public for Ukraine's pursuit of a dignified peace.

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President Trump's statements were absolutely accurate, especially regarding our Crimea: the annexation of Crimea by Russia started everything, and if there had been strong leadership then, this entire war would simply not have started.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin reported that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin also held discussions. According to Yuri Ushakov, an advisor to Putin, the conversation focused on the situation surrounding a potential agreement between the U.S. and Iran, with Trump indicating the deal was close. Ushakov also noted that U.S. special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are involved in Iran-related matters, are expected to return to Russia soon. The Kremlin stated that Trump told Putin that ending the war with Ukraine is a key issue and that he is ready to assist.

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All Ukrainians have one wish for President Trump. That we can finally achieve peace and achieve this success together with the United States and all our partners. This is the most important thing we want, and it is crucial that the American public fully supports this Ukrainian aspiration for a dignified peace.