Trump accuses Zelensky of prolonging Russia war, defends sanctions relief

US President Donald Trump on Sunday accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of prolonging the war with Russia, claiming Kyiv had little interest in peace. Trump said negotiations to end the four-year conflict were making "great progress" but alleged Zelensky was reluctant to reach a deal because of European financial support. Trump defended his decision to waive some sanctions on Russia, saying he did not want to drive Moscow away from the bargaining table. He signed an executive order Friday pausing new sanctions and temporarily waived sanctions on Russian diesel to lower fuel prices ahead of US elections on November 3. Trump also accused Ukraine of targeting Russian refineries to hurt his Republican Party in the election, citing soaring fuel costs since the Iran war began in late February. He claimed Zelensky "doesn't want to end this war" due to European and past US aid.