US President Donald Trump has downplayed Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, saying Moscow “has been fine on Ukraine” and “hasn’t been doing much,” even as Russian attacks killed civilians and targeted critical infrastructure.

“Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine. They haven’t been doing much,” Trump told reporters on Monday.

His remarks came on the same day that a Russian drone strike on a public park killed six people, including children, according to Ukrainian media reports. The previous night, Russian forces launched ballistic missiles at Kyiv and targeted nearly 30 critical energy facilities across Ukraine.

Trump did not address the reported attacks in his remarks, instead praising Russian President Vladimir Putin for what he described as restraint in Ukraine and Iran.

The comments came amid an increasingly public rift between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with Washington facing criticism over its approach to Moscow and the future of US support for Kyiv.

Trump said he would consider participating in a trilateral meeting with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, but indicated that the primary purpose would be to discuss nuclear disarmament rather than Ukraine.

The proposal has drawn attention because it could bring together the leaders of the United States, Russia and China without Zelensky, whose country remains at war with Russia.

Trump also renewed his criticism of the Ukrainian president, suggesting that Kyiv should appoint someone else to negotiate an end to the conflict.

“Maybe it’s time for Zelensky to get somebody else to negotiate,” Trump said.

The remarks followed Trump's recent accusations that Zelensky was unwilling to end the war. Zelensky, meanwhile, has warned that Washington's decisions risk strengthening Moscow's position and putting additional pressure on Ukraine to accept an unfavourable settlement.

Relations between the two leaders have deteriorated further over Trump's decision to waive some sanctions on Russia.

Trump has defended the move, saying he wants to keep Moscow engaged in peace negotiations and avoid actions that could drive Russia away from the bargaining table.

Zelensky has criticised the decision, warning that easing economic pressure on Moscow could strengthen Russia's ability to continue its military campaign.

The US president has also backed plans to purchase Russian diesel and urged Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries, moves that have prompted criticism from lawmakers and other critics who argue that economic concessions reward Moscow while Russian attacks continue.

The dispute comes as Trump faces domestic pressure over fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections.

Trump Praises Russia Over Iran

Trump also praised Moscow for what he described as its limited support for Iran amid the US-Israeli military campaign against the Islamic Republic.

“We also have a very good situation with respect to Iran. He’s laying off Iran,” Trump said, referring to Putin.

“It’s nice because we’re hitting Iran very hard, as you know, economically as well as militarily, and Russia’s done nothing there that we can see,” he added.

Trump later insisted that Russia could have done considerably more to assist Iran but had provided little support.

Russia and Iran maintain close strategic ties, and reports have alleged that Moscow has provided Tehran with military equipment, intelligence and assistance related to weapons development. US military officials have also publicly discussed Russian support for Iran during the conflict.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has sent specialists to help Gulf countries counter Iranian drone attacks, while Putin has pledged support for Tehran.

Wider Concerns Over US Support for Ukraine

The dispute has also raised questions about the reliability of US military and intelligence support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials have recently raised concerns over the handling of intelligence related to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and restrictions affecting satellite communications used by Ukrainian forces. The Trump administration has also faced criticism over changes to sanctions policy and military support.

Despite the tensions, Trump said the United States continued to share intelligence with Ukraine. The competing signals have left Kyiv facing uncertainty over Washington's longer-term commitment as Russia continues its attacks.

The latest exchanges underscore the widening gap between Trump and Zelensky over how to end the war, the terms of any potential settlement and the degree of pressure that should be applied to Moscow.

While Trump argues that maintaining engagement with Putin is necessary to secure a negotiated peace, Zelensky has warned that easing pressure on Russia could undermine Ukraine's position and make a lasting settlement more difficult to achieve. (ILKHA)