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Trump Calls Zelensky ‘P.T. Barnum,’ Presses Ukraine to Accept U.S.-Backed Peace Plan

The remarks underscore U.S. pressure on Kyiv to consider a leaked peace plan widely criticized by Ukraine and European leaders.

Overview

  • In a Politico interview, Trump labeled Zelensky “a great salesman” and compared him to P.T. Barnum.
  • Trump urged Zelensky to read and accept the U.S. proposal, saying he should start “accepting things” because “he’s losing.”
  • He said Ukraine should hold elections despite wartime suspension and argued that “at some point, size will win” given Russia’s advantages.
  • Trump’s comments come after envoy talks in Moscow, where special envoy Steve Witkoff met Vladimir Putin alongside Jared Kushner on December 2.
  • Ukrainian and European leaders have objected to elements of the leaked 28-point plan as conceding territory; Zelensky said he will not cede land and would send a revised proposal.