Trump: Zelensky Is a ‘Tricky Guy’ but ‘I Like Him’ — Wants Ukraine Settlement
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump offered a characteristically blunt assessment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, calling him a “tricky guy” while expressing personal affection for the leader he has often clashed with over the course of the war .
Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged the immense human and territorial cost of the three-year conflict while signaling his desire to broker a settlement—without committing to a specific plan .
“Zelensky is a tricky guy, and we want to get a settlement. And, you know, they are losing territory, but it’s at a big cost to Russia and to them. And I like Zelensky. I’ve always sort of gotten along with him, other than the one moment in the White House, which I thought was a little aggressive on his behalf.”
— President Donald J. Trump
🇺🇦 ‘Losing Territory, But at a Big Cost’
Trump’s observation that Ukraine is “losing territory” is consistent with recent battlefield reports, though he was careful to note that Russia’s gains have come at an “enormous human and material cost.”
The front lines in eastern Ukraine have shifted incrementally in Russia’s favor in recent months, with Moscow’s forces making slow but steady progress in Donetsk region . Both sides have suffered staggering casualties; Western intelligence estimates put Russian losses at over 400,000 killed or wounded since the full-scale invasion began in 2022 .
Trump’s remark that “Trump and Zelensky had a ‘contentious meeting’ in the White House in early 2025” refers to a moment when the Ukrainian president pressed the former president for more aid . The Trump team has since slowed the pace of military assistance to Ukraine, though not halted it entirely .
The president’s description of Zelensky as “tricky” is perhaps a description of Ukraine’s leader as a shrewd negotiator trying to wring the maximum possible support from Washington . Biden and Trump have both found him to be a difficult partner, albeit for different reasons .
🗣️ ‘I’ve Always Sort of Gotten Along with Him’
Trump’s claim that he “always sort of gotten along with [Zelensky]” is an oversimplification of a complicated relationship .
In 2019, Trump was impeached for pressuring Zelensky to investigate then-candidate Joe Biden while withholding military aid. Their 2025 White House meeting, which Trump called “a little aggressive on his behalf,” was reportedly tense .
Nevertheless, Trump has refrained from the kind of public insults he has aimed at other foreign leaders (like German Chancellor Merz) . His “I like Zelensky” is aimed at a domestic audience that is divided on Ukraine aid .
By implying that he personally likes Zelensky, Trump is trying to reassure pro-Ukraine Republicans that he will not abandon Kyiv, while his “we want to get a settlement” reassures the anti-war, “America First” wing of the party .
🤝 A Settlement in the Works?
Trump did not outline a specific peace plan during his remarks, though he has previously suggested that he could end the war “in 24 hours” .
That proposal, which reportedly includes freezing the front lines and allowing Russia to keep occupied territory, has been rejected by Ukraine . The pending May 9 Victory Day ceasefire proposed by Russia and rejected by Ukraine complicates the diplomatic landscape .
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other administration officials are reportedly working on a “peace plan” that would include a ceasefire in place and security guarantees for Ukraine short of NATO membership . However, Zelensky has insisted that any settlement must include a restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity (including Crimea) .
Trump’s “we want to get a settlement” suggests that the administration is preparing a new push for peace talks, perhaps after Ukraine’s upcoming counteroffensive .
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Trump on Zelensky | “Tricky guy” but “I like him” — says they have “always sort of gotten along” |
| Battlefield Assessment | Ukraine “losing territory” but at a “big cost to Russia” |
| White House Meeting | Recalls “aggressive” exchange; does not elaborate |
| Peace Settlement | “We want to get a settlement” — no details on timing or terms |
| Trump’s History | 2019 impeachment (Biden/Ukraine) + 2025 tense meeting; still providing some aid |
| Target Audience | Pro-Ukraine Republicans (aid) + anti-war base (settlement) |
| Current Diplomatic Push | Ukraine has rejected Trump’s reported plan; administration still working on proposal |
| Russian Resilience | Russia absorbing massive casualties — still advancing slowly |
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