Trump claims progress in Russia-Ukraine talks, blames Zelensky for missed deal

US President Donald Trump claimed negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict are making "great progress," while accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of failing to secure a better deal two years ago. In a Truth Social post, Trump defended his diplomatic approach, saying he wants to avoid driving Russia from the bargaining table and touted progress on hostage negotiations. He also criticized Ukrainian attacks on Russian diesel refineries, claiming they hurt global energy markets. Trump asserted Zelensky does not want to end the war due to financial benefits from Europe and the US, while Zelensky reported 76 Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite a ceasefire announcement and warned that US sanctions relief could encourage further aggression.