Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York in 2024. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hit back at Donald Trump after he accused him of blocking hopes of a peace deal in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president insisted “it is Russia that must be put under pressure” – something Trump has been consistently reluctant to do. Trump was branded “Putin’s puppet” this week after he blamed Zelenskyy for his own failure to achieve his aim of ending the war, which began with Russia’s invasion nearly four years ago. The US president said Vladimir Putin was “ready to make a deal”, but it was being blocked by the Ukrainian leader. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal,” Trump told Reuters in an interview. Asked why his attempts at ending the war had so far failed, Trump replied: “Zelenskyy.” Under Trump’s peace proposals, Ukraine would need to give up land which is already occupied by Russia – something which is forbidden by the country’s constitution. Asked why he believed Zelenskyy was holding back on negotiations, Trump said: “I just think he’s, you know, having a hard time getting there.” Responding on X, Zelensky said: “Ukraine has never been and will never be a stumbling block to peace. “When Ukrainians are left without power for 20–30 hours because of Russia, and when Russian strikes are aimed at breaking our energy system and our people, it is Russia that must be put under pressure.” In an accompanying video, the Ukrainian leader said: “It is Russian missiles ... and Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukraine that are clear evidence that it is not agreements at all that Russia is seeking.” Ukraine has never been and will never be a stumbling block to peace. When Ukrainians are left without power for 20–30 hours because of Russia, and when Russian strikes are aimed at breaking our energy system and our people, it is Russia that must be put under pressure. pic.twitter.com/TguJK3fHok — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 15, 2026 Related... UK Debunks 'False Rhetoric' At Heart Of Putin's Ukraine Invasion Donald Trump Branded 'Putin's Puppet' After Blaming Zelenskyy For Peace Talks Failure Trump Talks Up Putin With Fresh Outrageous Claim In Joint Zelenskyy Press Conference