Zelenskyy: Trump wants war to end but Putin rejects ceasefire talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said US President Donald Trump wants to end the war in Ukraine, but accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of refusing to agree to even a temporary ceasefire needed for peace negotiations.

"We want to stop this war. President Trump wants to stop this war, and the Europeans also want it to end. Putin does not," Zelenskyy said.

He added that Ukraine has been calling every day for negotiations, at least to secure a temporary ceasefire that would allow diplomats to begin talks.

"But Putin does not want this. That is the problem," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy argued that Russia's refusal to halt the fighting makes an international response necessary.

He also said Ukraine is counting on additional sanctions against Russia, describing proposed legislation introduced by the late US Senator Lindsey Graham as highly important.