Donald Trump recently suggested that Ukraine is partly to blame for Russia`s 2022 invasion, claiming they could have avoided the war through earlier negotiations. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, he criticized Ukraine for not making a deal sooner, saying a "half-baked negotiator" could have ended the conflict with fewer land and life losses. Trump expressed confidence in US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, hinting he may meet Putin soon. He also suggested Ukraine should hold elections and potentially replace President Zelenskyy, whose term ended last year. Ukraine opposed holding peace talks without their involvement. Russia demanded NATO abandon its promise to grant Ukraine membership and not send troops there. European leaders worry Trump and Putin may quickly settle, favoring Russia’s position.