US President Donald Trump said his decision to exempt Russian exports from sanctions and tariffs is aimed at keeping Russia at the negotiating table.
Trump said significant progress is being made in negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, stressing that he does not want to take any steps that could push Moscow away from the negotiating table. He also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of not wanting to end the war.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his decision regarding Russia was “very simple,” explaining that negotiations are currently underway to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine and that he does not want to take any action that could drive Russia away from the negotiating table.
He added that significant progress is being made in these efforts, including ongoing negotiations over hostages.
Trump said signing a document at this point would push Russia away from the negotiating table, adding that he could sign it later, or at any time he chooses, without specifying what document he was referring to.
Regarding Iran, Trump said Russia is doing very little, if anything, to assist the Islamic Republic of Iran compared with what it could potentially provide.
He said he wants to preserve the current situation and would continue to do so unless people he described as “stupid” interfere with and obstruct his efforts.
Trump also criticized Ukraine for targeting diesel refineries in Russia, saying Zelensky is using the facilities as targets despite knowing that such attacks are causing serious damage to global diesel markets, including those in the United States.
He added that farmers, livestock producers and businesses of various kinds are suffering heavily from the consequences of these attacks, while Russia continues to supply millions of barrels of diesel to global markets at low prices.
Trump accused Zelensky of showing little concern for these consequences, saying that despite the large amounts of money Europe is providing to Ukraine, as well as the funds previously provided by former US President Joe Biden, Zelensky does not want to end the war.
“Frankly, with all the money Europe is giving him, and what Joe Biden gave him previously, he does not want to end this war, and perhaps he never wanted to,” Trump said.
Trump argued that Zelensky could have reached a better agreement two years ago than the one he is able to secure now.
He described the situation in Ukraine as tragic, saying the country has suffered widespread destruction and lost a significant portion of its territory, while its seas and surrounding waters have been lost and its male population has declined due to injuries and deaths.
Trump concluded his post by reaffirming his desire to end the war, saying: “I want to end this war.”
