Trump Urges Zelensky to Negotiate with Putin, Criticizes Ukraine’s Approach
US President Donald Trump has once again publicly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to pursue peace negotiations with Russia, asserting that Zelensky is hindering efforts to reach an agreement. Trump stated he was “surprised Zelensky doesn’t seek to make a deal,” and suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more amenable to negotiations. “Tell Zelensky to make a deal because Putin’s willing to make a deal,” Trump said in an interview with NBC News released on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Trump Claims Zelensky More Difficult to Deal With
According to Trump, it is “much more difficult to come to an agreement” with Zelensky than with Putin. He as well dismissed Zelensky’s offer to assist the US and its allies in intercepting Iranian drones in the Middle East, stating, “The last person we need help from is Zelensky.”
Stalled Negotiations and Proposed Venues
Previous negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the United States took place in Geneva on February 17-18. A follow-up meeting had been planned for early March in Abu Dhabi, but was disrupted by the outbreak of war between the United States and Israel with Iran on February 28.
Zelensky expressed Kyiv’s willingness to resume negotiations, proposing a meeting on March 18-19. However, agreement on a location proved elusive. The US proposed Miami or Washington, while Russia suggested Turkey or Switzerland. The US rejected the latter options, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a reason to remain within its borders.
Oil Prices and Sanctions
Amidst a virtual closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a critical route for global oil supplies – Brent oil prices surged to $120 per barrel. Trump temporarily authorized the purchase of Russian oil loaded on ships until March 12. He indicated in his NBC interview that sanctions against Russia would be reinstated “as soon as the oil crisis is over.”
Previous Tensions and Support Shifts
This latest statement follows a pattern of increasingly critical remarks from Trump towards Zelensky. In October 2025, a meeting between Trump and Zelensky reportedly devolved into a “shouting match,” with Trump urging Ukraine to cede the Donbas region to Russia as reported by CNBC. Trump claimed Putin had warned him that Russia would “destroy” Ukraine if it did not comply.
Trump has also faced criticism for easing oil sanctions on Russia, a move condemned by European leaders according to the Independent. He has consistently sought a swift end to the war in Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in support towards Putin as reported by France24.