President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 11, 2025, arguing that the Ukrainian leader must approach peace talks with greater realism. Speaking to reporters, Trump noted, “He has to be realistic. And I do wonder about how long is it gonna be until they have an election? 82% of Ukrainian people are demanding a settlement be made.”

Trump’s remarks highlight his long-standing focus on pragmatic solutions to international conflicts, emphasizing the importance of negotiating settlements that account for both military realities and public sentiment. The President referenced an unverified poll claiming that a significant majority of Ukrainians support a resolution to the ongoing conflict, framing his argument that Zelenskyy’s current approach may be overly ambitious or politically driven.

While the war continues to generate global attention and humanitarian concerns, Trump’s comments reflect his perspective that leadership should balance defense objectives with attainable diplomatic outcomes. By questioning Zelenskyy’s strategy and the timing of Ukraine’s next election, Trump underscored the need for practical negotiations that could lead to a sustainable settlement.

The President’s critique aligns with his broader foreign policy philosophy, which prioritizes U.S. strategic interests while advocating for conflict resolutions grounded in realism and achievable goals.