Kremlin Affirms Trump's Ukraine Statements Align With Russia's Position on Territorial Issues

Russia has consistently characterized Zelensky as an illegitimate leader, advocating for his removal from power.

Russia:

On Wednesday, the Kremlin stated that US President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding Ukraine - specifically his assertion that Moscow would emerge victorious in the conflict and that Kyiv would need to surrender territory - correspond with Russia's perspective on the situation.

During an interview with Politico, Trump also described European leadership as "weak" and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to conduct elections, remarks that caused considerable concern in both Kyiv and across Europe.

"In numerous respects, regarding NATO membership, territorial issues, and Ukraine's territorial losses, his statements align with our understanding," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed reporters, including AFP, on Wednesday.

Peskov characterized Trump's observations as "very important."

Trump suggested that Russia maintains a stronger negotiating position in peace discussions due to the country's size, and stated that Ukraine would never become a NATO member.

Following the interview, Zelensky indicated his willingness to organize new elections in Ukraine provided that security could be guaranteed.

Moscow's military campaign - which prompted Kyiv to implement martial law - has rendered elections impossible under Ukrainian legal framework.

Russia has long sought Zelensky's downfall, consistently referring to him as an illegitimate head of state.

"We will observe how events develop," Peskov remarked regarding Zelensky's announcement.

The United States has increased diplomatic efforts with both Russia and Ukraine to resolve Europe's most severe conflict since World War II.

In his Politico interview, Trump acknowledged that reaching an agreement is "tough" and that "one of the reasons is the level of hatred between Putin and Zelensky is tremendous."