ZELENSKYY COMPROMISES—TRUMP STILL BLAMES “BOTH SIDES”
President Zelenskyy is doing everything Donald Trump publicly demanded.
Ukraine accepted the idea of an energy ceasefire—even though Trump announced it before Kyiv had agreed to anything. Ukrainian forces then refrained from striking Russian energy facilities overnight, giving the proposal an opportunity to become real.
Russia offered no matching restraint. Its forces attacked at least six Ukrainian energy facilities, including gas and power infrastructure.
Yet when Trump was asked about Russia violating his proposed ceasefire, he claimed there had been violations “on both sides”—before admitting that he had not reviewed what happened.
When a reporter explained that Zelenskyy supports the proposal while Putin has not accepted it, Trump answered: “I think they both support it.”
Once again, the facts say otherwise.
Zelenskyy is attempting to compromise. He accepted Trump’s proposal, ordered restraint and offered to formalize the pause if Russia reciprocated. Putin responded with another night of attacks, while Trump responded by placing Ukraine and Russia back into the same sentence.
How much further is Ukraine expected to bend before its cooperation is acknowledged?
Even Zelenskyy’s best effort appears insufficient for an administration determined to blame “both sides.” That leaves an increasingly uncomfortable question: does Trump actually want an agreement with Ukraine—or does he want Ukraine to accept whatever arrangement protects Russia’s energy industry?
At this rate, Zelenskyy could deliver every barrel of diesel in Europe to the White House and Trump would still insist that the world needs more Russian fuel.
A negotiation requires compromise from both sides. Ukraine has shown its willingness. Russia has shown none—and Trump continues applying the pressure in the opposite direction.