Trump Calls for New Ukrainian Negotiator, Cites Past Oval Office Meeting

Former President Donald Trump stated on October 19, 2026, that it is "time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine," suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should be replaced as the lead negotiator to end the ongoing war with Russia.

Trump referenced a February 2025 meeting in the Oval Office with Zelensky, recalling a warning he gave the Ukrainian leader that he was at risk of losing the war and was only in a strong position due to American military aid. "Ukraine could have had this thing settled a long time ago," Trump told reporters. "If he would have listened to me, and you remember the Oval Office, he would have had to settle a long time ago."

"We've given a lot to Ukraine. They've given nothing to us. Remember that," Trump added.

Separately, Trump confirmed his openness to potential meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, coinciding with his attendance at the ASEAN meeting in China. He expressed that his patience with the current situation regarding Ukraine had diminished, implying that U.S. assistance had reached its limit.