President Trump appears frustrated amid push to end war in Ukraine

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine seem to be in a fragile state as President Donald Trump expresses frustrations with the leaders of both countries. Though he insists progress is still being made toward a peace deal. 

The president told reporters he isn’t putting a specific time limit on reaching a ceasefire. 

“It’s a psychological deadline. If I think they’re tapping us along, I will not be happy about it,” Trump said. 

He also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin over his recent comments that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lacks the legitimacy to sign a deal. 

“He considers Zelenskyy not credible. He’s supposed to be making a deal with him, whether you like him or whether you don’t like him. So, I wasn’t happy with that,” Trump said. 

Though, he isn’t happy with Zelenskyy either.

The two publicly fought last month when Zelenskyy visited the White House prepared to sign a deal giving the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare minerals. They later made up, but President Trump says that agreement is once again in doubt. 

“He’s trying to back out of the rare earth deal, and if he does that, he’s got some problems. Big, big problems,” Trump said. 

U.S. leaders continue to push for an end to the war, but Russia has not agreed to the 30-day ceasefire deal that the U.S. suggested or a proposal for a partial ceasefire on the Black Sea. 

State Department Press Secretary Tammy Bruce says the Trump administration remains committed to brokering a deal. 

“Negotiations are going to require both Russia and Ukraine to make tough decisions and compromises,” Bruce said “There is one North Star for everyone involved in this and it is this the ceasefire and stopping the carnage.” 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Brussels later this week for a meeting with NATO partners, where they will discuss the war and international aid for Ukraine.