Amid efforts to push for direct talks to end the war, Trump Says Putin Won’t Meet Zelenskyy ‘Because He Doesn’t Like Him,’ Warning of Consequences if Negotiations Fail. In a fresh twist to efforts aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine war, US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is reluctant to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy simply “because he doesn’t like him.”
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump disclosed that he had recently held another phone call with Putin after hosting Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington. Despite what Trump described as a “good conversation” with the Russian leader, no breakthrough toward direct talks was achieved.
“Why is Putin so reluctant to meet with Zelenskyy?” a reporter asked Trump.
He replied: “Because he doesn’t like him.” Trump’s candid remark underscores the personal animosity between the two wartime leaders that continues to complicate peace efforts.
Trump Says Putin Won’t Meet Zelenskyy ‘Because He Doesn’t Like Him,’ Warning of Consequences if Negotiations Fail
Trump Confirms Talks With Putin, But No Progress
Trump revealed that his discussions with Putin have been cordial but have yielded little tangible progress.
“Every conversation I have with him is a good conversation,” Trump said. “And then, unfortunately, a bomb is loaded up into Kyiv or someplace, and then I get very angry about it. I think we’re going to get the war done. It’s tough.”
Despite repeated calls for dialogue, Trump admitted he was unsure if Putin and Zelenskyy would ever meet face-to-face, stressing that such a step was necessary before he could step in directly.
“I don’t know that they’ll meet. Maybe they will. Maybe they won’t,” he added.
Trump Pushes for Direct Putin–Zelenskyy Talks
Last week, Trump hosted Zelenskyy along with European leaders in Washington while simultaneously reaching out to Putin.
His stated aim was to arrange direct negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, potentially followed by a three-way summit involving himself.
He framed the matter in his characteristic style:
“It takes two to tango. I always say. And they should meet, I think, before I have a meeting and probably close the deal.”
Trump suggested that both sides were open to his participation but emphasized that the initiative ultimately rested with Putin and Zelenskyy.
Also Read: Trump-Zelensky Meeting Sparks Hope for Peace Deal: ‘Good Chance of Ending Russia-Ukraine War’
Trump Warns of “Great Consequences” If Talks Fail
Perhaps the strongest part of Trump’s statement came as a warning: if Putin and Zelenskyy failed to hold talks in the coming weeks, there would be “great consequences.”
“There will be great consequences… This war would have never taken place if I were President,” Trump asserted. “We will see what happens over the next week or two, and at that point I will step in very strongly.”
He hinted at a range of possible moves from massive sanctions and tariffs on Russia to a possible shift in Washington’s support for Kyiv.
“In two weeks, we are going to know which way I am going. I’m going to decide whether it’s massive sanctions, massive tariffs, or do we do nothing and say it’s your fight?” Trump said.
The comments reflected Trump’s tough bargaining stance keeping pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv while signaling that American patience may not be unlimited.
Russia Pushes Preconditions, Questions Zelenskyy’s Legitimacy
While Trump pressed for urgency, Moscow continued to set conditions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Putin would only meet Zelenskyy once all negotiation issues had been thoroughly worked out by lower-level officials.
Lavrov also challenged Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, arguing that his presidential term had already expired under Ukraine’s constitution.
“When we come to a stage where you have to sign documents, we’d need a clear understanding that the person who’s signing is legitimate,” Lavrov said.
This position complicates prospects for a direct summit, as Russia has long maintained that Ukraine must make concessions before meaningful talks can begin.
Trump: “I’ve Settled Ten Wars”
Defending his foreign policy credentials, Trump reminded reporters that he had “settled seven wars” during his presidency, adding that if pre-war situations were counted, the number would be closer to ten.
“I’m not happy about anything about that war,” he said. “Over the next two weeks we are going to find out which way it’s going to go.”
Trump’s remarks sought to reinforce his argument that the Russia–Ukraine war would not have broken out under his leadership.
Trump: “It Takes Two to Tango”
Trump repeatedly returned to his metaphor that “it takes two to tango”, underscoring his belief that the willingness of Putin and Zelenskyy to meet directly is key to ending the war.
“They’d like me to be at the meeting,” he said. “I told them: you guys have to work it out. It’s between you.”
He emphasized that his role would be as a facilitator, but only after both leaders showed readiness to negotiate in good faith.
Putin’s Alaska Visit a “Concession,” Says Trump
Trump also touched on Putin’s recent visit to Alaska, describing it as a diplomatic gesture:
“It was a concession for him to come here. He wasn’t happy about it, but I appreciate the fact he came to the U.S.”
The remark highlighted Trump’s view of his personal relationship with Putin as an asset in managing the crisis.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with him,” Trump said, reinforcing his long-standing claim of rapport with the Russian leader.
Timeline for Talks Remains Unclear
Despite Trump’s strong statements, the timeline for a potential Putin–Zelenskyy meeting remains uncertain.
The Kremlin has denied confirming any such plans, while Kyiv insists it is preparing new security guarantees with US and European backing.
Zelenskyy himself recently announced that Ukraine, the US, and European partners were finalizing a framework for long-term security guarantees, expected to be unveiled soon.
Trump’s Balancing Act
Trump’s strategy appears to be a balancing act: pushing for a rapid peace dialogue while also signaling potential disengagement if talks do not materialize.
His repeated references to sanctions, tariffs, and consequences indicate that Washington may soon use economic levers to pressure Moscow or even Kyiv into negotiations.
At the same time, Trump has made it clear that he wants to position himself as the dealmaker capable of ending the war.
Conclusion: Stakes High for Putin–Zelenskyy Meeting
With Trump setting a two-week deadline for progress and warning of “great consequences” if talks stall, the pressure on both Putin and Zelenskyy is mounting.
Yet, with Russia demanding concessions and Ukraine seeking Western-backed guarantees, the chances of a quick breakthrough remain uncertain.
For now, Trump insists he will wait and see but his repeated message is simple: “It takes two to tango.”
Also Read: Why a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting matters — and why it might not happen
