Trump: Zelenskyy and Putin Hate Each Other Too Much

US President Donald Trump has said direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin are unlikely due to deep personal animosity, casting doubt on prospects for a negotiated settlement.

"The hatred between Zelensky and Putin is unfathomable," Trump told reporters, The Caspian Post reports via Ukrainian media. "I think I'm going to have to do all the talking... they hate each other so much, they almost can't talk."

Trump added that he had initially believed negotiations could be arranged easily but would personally have to lead any discussions, as the two leaders "are incapable of talking to each other."

His remarks follow an August 15 summit with Putin in Alaska, after which he pledged to organize a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. Plans faltered when Putin invited Zelenskyy to Moscow, a proposal Kyiv rejected, and later said that reaching an agreement over occupied territories was "impossible." Zelenskyy has also confirmed he would not travel to Russia for talks.

To encourage meaningful dialogue, Trump has linked potential new sanctions to stronger European measures, criticizing the EU for continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas.

"We can't be expected to be the only ones that are full bore," he said. "I don't want them [Europe] to buy [Russian] oil."

"I'm willing to do sanctions. But they're going to have to toughen up their sanctions."

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright echoed this position, said that European countries must halt Russian fossil fuel imports if they expect Washington to increase sanctions.

Despite the rhetoric, the Trump administration has imposed only limited penalties on Moscow and rolled back some previously enacted measures. In August, Washington targeted India, one of Russia’s largest oil buyers, with tariffs due to crude imports, although Indian officials said purchases would continue.