Zelensky Takes Swipe At Trump For Putin Phone Call: 'Russia Giving The Finger'

Ukraine's President Zelensky has criticized President Trump for his phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, stating that it shows Russia is giving the finger to the world. Zelensky expressed frustration that the call did not lead to increased pressure on Moscow and instead made Putin feel impunity. The Ukrainian leader believes that if the powerful do not stop Putin, they share responsibility with him, which was a clear reference to Trump's communication with Putin. Trump had admitted that the two warring sides are no closer to peace after the call, which was made after Ukraine's drone attacks on Russia. Zelensky has called for new and sufficient sanctions on the Kremlin, particularly from the United States, to increase pressure on Russia. He also emphasized the need for clear political pressure for diplomacy to be effective, as Russia has rejected every peace initiative. Trump described his call with Putin as a good conversation, but not one that will lead to immediate peace. The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has been strained, with Trump previously calling Zelensky a dictator and blaming him for the war in Ukraine. Trump has also stated that the Ukraine war would not have started under his watch and has blamed Biden for the escalation. Zelensky's criticism of Trump is unlikely to sway the US president to Kiev's side, given their history of disagreements and Trump's repeated swipes at the Ukrainian leader.