Zelensky ‘doing pretty well’ in war, Trump says amid shifting US tone on Russia sanctions

US President Donald Trump has offered a more positive assessment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wartime performance, saying he is “doing pretty well” in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russian forces.

“He’s doing pretty well. He’s holding his own, at least. A lot of people dying on both sides, but I think he’s doing pretty well,” Trump said while speaking to journalists at the White House.

“You have to say he’s courageous, he’s got great equipment, but he’s got great men, he’s got fighters.”

The remarks mark a contrast with Trump’s earlier claim that Zelensky lacked the “cards” needed to win the war. His comments also come as battlefield assessments suggest Ukraine is sustaining its defence more effectively, even as Russian attacks on civilian areas continue.

Trump met Zelensky most recently at the G7 summit in France, where world leaders agreed on increased pressure against Moscow to end a war now in its fourth year. After the meeting, Zelensky posted on Twitter that he was “grateful to President Trump for his attention to Ukraine and his readiness to help bring peace closer.”

Following the talks, Trump also signalled openness to tougher measures on Russian oil exports. Before the summit, the US had extended a sanctions waiver for Russian oil cargoes already at sea, drawing unease from European partners.

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