US President Donald Trump is irritated by both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, The New York Times writes, citing advisers to the American leader.
They say Trump feels particular hostility towards Zelensky. Trump has repeatedly told his aides that Zelensky is a "bad guy" who is pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war, the newspaper writes.
On other occasions, the newspaper notes, Trump has told his advisers that he understands why Zelensky is resisting, "given that he is waging a war against an adversary who seems intent on continuing to bomb Ukrainian cities."
The newspaper adds that Trump tends to have greater respect for Putin, "although he sometimes expresses disappointment." The New York Times also writes that the US president has considered the possibility of imposing sanctions on Russia, but has not yet dared to make such a decision.
Donald Trump spoke by phone with Vladimir Putin on June 4, his fourth conversation since returning to the White House. During the call, which lasted more than an hour, they discussed the Ukrainian intelligence operation against Russian military airfields and the nuclear deterrent against Iran. “It was a good conversation, but not one that will lead to immediate peace,” Trump said after the call.