Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace talks making 'great progress'

President Donald Trump claimed negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war are making "great progress," while accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of missing a better deal two years ago and criticizing Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. 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 for hurting global energy markets, while praising Russia for supplying diesel at low prices. Trump accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the war for financial benefits from Europe and the US, asserting Ukraine's situation has deteriorated. Zelenskyy countered that Russia launched 76 strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite a ceasefire announcement, and warned that US sanctions relief could encourage further Russian aggression.