Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump says Zelensky is blocking peace and it’s easier dealing with invader Putin – UK Times

Marco Rubio cancelled his visit to London for ceasefire talks after it emerged that Volodymyr Zelensky wasn’t coming – and then JD Vance got cross. Ukraine’s president certainly swerved an ambush, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent met Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal and finance minister Sergii Marchenko yesterday and stressed the need to sign an economic partnership between the two countries as soon as possible, the US Treasury Department said.

Washington has said it will walk away from efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine unless there are clear signs of progress soon.

After the US and Ukraine reached a memo of understanding on Thursday, US president Donald Trump said he expected to sign a minerals deal with Kyiv this week.

An attempt in February fell apart following Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s Oval Office clash with Trump.

“Secretary Bessent reaffirmed the United States’ support for Ukrainian sovereignty and emphasized the United States’ dedication to secure a lasting, durable peace for the people of both Ukraine and Russia,” the Treasury Department said in a statement.

“Secretary Bessent emphasised the need to conclude technical talks and sign the economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine as soon as possible.”

Donald Trump’s best option now is to walk away from his so-called peace talks, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley.

US president Donald Trump said on Wednesday he thought Russia had agreed to a deal to end the conflict in Ukraine.

“I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelensky,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far it’s been harder.”

Adding that he does not have any “favourites”, Trump said he just “wanna save the lives” and “see the war end”