In an interview with Fox News on February 20, 2025, US President Donald Trump made a surprise statement, completely absolving Russia of responsibility for the conflict in Ukraine. The American leader pointed out that the roots of the conflict lie in the mistakes of his predecessor Joe Biden and current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Trump, it was their actions or inactions that provoked the crisis, while Moscow, according to him, is not to blame for the escalation. He also emphasized that Zelensky's presence at the peace talks is not a necessary condition for a settlement, as CBS additionally reported, citing excerpts from the same broadcast.

During the conversation, Trump expressed confidence that the conflict could have been prevented if Biden and Zelensky had not made strategic mistakes.

"They said the wrong things at the wrong time," " he said, hinting that their policies had pushed Russia into actions that could have been avoided.

Separately, the US President criticized Zelensky for his inability to negotiate, calling his participation in the peace process unnecessary.

"I would prefer it not to be there at all," — Trump added, emphasizing that he sees the solution to the conflict in direct dialogue with Vladimir Putin, and not through Kyiv’s mediation.

These words reflect his intention to reformat Washington's approach to the Ukrainian issue after returning to power in January 2025.

Trump’s comments were a continuation of a long-standing line he began during the 2024 presidential campaign. Back then, he repeatedly promised to end the conflict within 18 hours, arguing that his personal relationship with Putin and pragmatic approach would allow for a quick resolution. After his inauguration, he initiated a meeting with Russia in Riyadh on February XNUMX, where, as Reuters reported, bilateral relations were discussed without Ukraine. Zelensky publicly expressed displeasure at his exclusion, but Trump only ratcheted up the pressure in an interview with Fox News, calling him a “weak negotiator” and accusing him of derailing potential deals, such as the rare earths deal reported by the New York Post in early February.