Trump says Zelensky is ‘doing pretty well’ in Ukraine war despite ongoing Russian attacks

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is performing well in the war against Russia, a shift from his earlier remarks questioning whether Kyiv had the ability to prevail.

“He’s doing pretty well. He’s holding his own, at least,” Trump told reporters at the White House, while acknowledging the heavy casualties on both sides.

“You have to say he’s courageous, he’s got great equipment, but he’s got great men, he’s got fighters,” Trump said of Zelensky and Ukrainian forces.

Analysts say Ukraine has shown greater resilience on the battlefield, though Russian strikes continue to hit Ukrainian cities as the conflict stretches beyond four years.

Trump and Zelensky most recently met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, where leaders agreed to increase pressure on Russia to end the war.

Following the meeting, Zelensky thanked Trump for focusing on Ukraine and supporting efforts to move closer to peace.

Trump emerged from the talks expressing renewed interest in tightening sanctions on Russian oil, after Washington had earlier introduced and extended a waiver allowing some Russian oil shipments already in transit.

The move had raised concerns among European allies, who have pushed for stronger measures against Moscow.