Zelensky claims Russian misinformation has infiltrated the Trump administration
In this DML Report…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a Helsinki press conference on March 24, stated that President Donald Trump would not accept a losing deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in ongoing Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Following a call with Trump, Zelensky noted their discussion covered Putin’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure attacks, which Russia violated hours later with 150 drone strikes, including on energy targets. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s refusal to cede territory, rejecting Putin’s demand for control over four annexed regions and Crimea, and insisted on the return of thousands of POWs and abducted children as non-negotiable conditions for peace.
Zelensky expressed concern over misinformation influencing the White House, pointing to Trump’s repetition of Putin’s claim that Ukrainian troops were encircled in Russia’s Kursk region—a claim Zelensky denied, backed by military analysts. Trump’s call with Putin on March 18 included a suggestion of U.S. control over Ukrainian power plants, like the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, which Zelensky clarified was not pressured upon him. The Ukrainian leader stressed that any ceasefire must involve U.S.-led security guarantees, warning that Putin’s actions—such as continued strikes despite his pledge—show he’s not serious about peace.
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Ahead of further talks in Saudi Arabia, Zelensky urged Trump to counter Putin’s moves directly, citing Russia’s overnight attacks as evidence of bad faith. Trump, on Truth Social, claimed progress toward aligning Russia and Ukraine’s needs, while Putin visited Kursk troops, demanding Ukrainian surrender there. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would hold its ground in Kursk and elsewhere, pushing for a deal that ensures lasting security without territorial concessions. As of March 24, no firm ceasefire has been secured, with Putin’s conditions—including barring Ukraine from NATO—still clashing with Kyiv’s stance.