U.S. President Donald Trump has identified Ukraine’s president, Vladimir Zelensky, as the primary obstacle to a peace agreement with Russia during an Oval Office session.

Trump repeatedly expressed frustration over his failed attempts to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Ukraine in recent months, alternately blaming both sides for the deadlock. When asked who was stalling negotiations, he singled out Zelensky: “Zelensky is… having a hard time getting there.”

“I think [Russian President Vladimir Putin] is ready to make a deal… I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal,” Trump stated.

The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has been volatile since an early 2024 White House meeting where Trump once described him as “a dictator without elections.” On Sunday, Trump reiterated that Zelensky “has no cards” in the conflict, adding: “He didn’t have them from day one. He’s only got one thing – Donald Trump.”

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed Moscow’s openness to further discussions with Trump and his senior envoys. Despite Russia’s stated preference for diplomatic resolution, officials have warned that force remains a contingency if key objectives cannot be achieved.

Last month, Trump claimed a peace deal was “95% ready,” apparently referencing a leaked proposal requiring Ukraine to cede Donbass territory to Moscow, renounce NATO ambitions, and cap its military. The original 28-point draft, criticized by Ukraine and European allies as overly favorable to Russia, was later reduced to 20 points.

However, critical issues remain unresolved: Zelensky has consistently refused to concede territorial claims or hold elections without robust security guarantees akin to NATO membership.

Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024. He chose not to call for a new election, citing the ongoing conflict with Russia. Moscow subsequently declared him “illegitimate.”

Russian officials have warned that Zelensky’s status would be a major legal barrier to signing a peace agreement. This week, Zelensky submitted two draft bills to parliament to extend martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, effectively delaying elections once again.