Day after Trump’s claim on Putin doing ‘what anybody would do’, EU says Russia has ‘no interest in peace’

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that his country is “continuously” working with its partners, including the US and Saudi Arabia, to strengthen security and advance peace efforts with Russia.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said “a lot of work” will take place with Ukraine’s allies in the coming days to accelerate the peace process.

“We continue working with partners who seek peace just as we do, focusing on the necessary steps. Next week, there will be a lot of work here in Europe, with the US and in Saudi Arabia—we are preparing a meeting to accelerate peace and strengthen the foundations of security,” he wrote.

We continue working with partners who seek peace just as we do, focusing on the necessary steps. Next week, there will be a lot of work here in Europe, with the U.S., and in Saudi Arabia – we are preparing a meeting to accelerate peace and strengthen the foundations of security.… pic.twitter.com/RDoGpHNwUl

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 7, 2025

He also revealed that discussions with former US President Donald Trump’s team were ongoing at “various levels,” with peace and security as the primary focus. “Ukraine is fully committed to a constructive approach,” he added.

Senior US and Ukrainian officials plan to meet in Saudi Arabia next week as Zelenskyy seek to revive relations with the US after a botched summit in the Oval Office during which Trump told Zelenskyy he was “gambling with world war three”.

Meanwhile, Trump has said he is “strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs” on Russia until a ceasefire and final peace settlement with Ukraine is reached.

“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday.

However, taking a U-turn later in the day, Trump speaking to reporters in the Oval Office said he finds it “easier” to work with Russia than Ukraine and that Putin “wants to end the war”.

“I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. And they don’t have the cards,” Trump said. “In terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia.”

Asked whether the Russian leader was taking advantage of the pause in US intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, Trump replied: “I actually think he is doing what anybody else would do.”