Trump Tells Zelensky to “Cut a Deal” with Russia, Calls Moscow a “Major Power”

In a post-summit interview after meeting Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate directly with Moscow, remarking, “Russia is a very big power. Ukraine is not.”

Trump characterized his nearly three-hour discussion with Putin as “very productive,” though acknowledged no formal agreements were made on the Ukraine conflict. He suggested that Kyiv should take the lead in pursuing a peace settlement.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian officials, who stressed that any negotiations must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for dialogue, but only under conditions that safeguard its borders.