US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reach a deal with Russia to end the conflict, warning that "if they don't make a deal, it's just gonna get worse."
Speaking to White House reporters, Trump said American taxpayers are tired of giving "tremendous amounts" to Ukraine with nothing back "other than high diesel," adding, "It's time to make a deal; Russia would like to get it done."
The appeal came after US special envoy Steve Witkoff held what Zelensky called "constructive" talks with European officials and Zelensky in Oslo on Tuesday. US media outlet Axios reported Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to present an updated proposal creating a "pathway toward direct trilateral and broader multilateral negotiations."
Trump, who recently accused Zelensky of hindering peace, suggested Monday that Zelensky should have settled long ago and proposed replacing him as Ukraine's chief negotiator.