Trump calls Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries 'a disgrace,' says peace deal would not be with Zelenskyy

In an interview with Newsmax, Trump described the renewed refinery attacks as "a disgrace," arguing that they were driving up global fuel prices.

He also questioned Zelenskyy's willingness to negotiate.

"He's not the person we should be dealing with," Trump said, adding that any eventual agreement to end the war would not be with the Ukrainian president.

"He doesn't want to make a deal. He says he wants to make a deal, but he doesn't. I'm not a big fan of Zelenskyy," Trump said.

The U.S. president again called for elections in Ukraine, arguing that Ukrainians could not be satisfied while Russian missiles continued striking their homes.

He did not address Zelenskyy's proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to allow Ukraine to organize elections.

Trump also revisited Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, claiming that Ukraine had been forced to surrender the peninsula during former U.S. President Barack Obama's administration.

Discussing Russia's failed attempt to capture Kyiv in 2022, Trump attributed the setback to a Russian general ordering tanks to advance through muddy terrain in poor weather.

The comments come amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv over Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities, while Russia continues striking Ukraine's own energy infrastructure.