Trump says Zelensky will be have to make concessions: Highlights from Trump’s interview

In an interview with Politico, Trump said the time has come for Ukraine to hold presidential elections.

Below are highlights from Trump’s interview:

• Russia now holds a stronger position at the negotiating table in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. There can be no doubt about that.
• Zelensky’s aides liked the U.S. peace plan, but they said Zelensky had not yet read it. I think he should find time to read it. A lot of people are dying.
• Ukraine is using the war as a reason not to hold elections, but I think the Ukrainian people should have that choice.
• The war between Russia and Ukraine would not have started if I had been president.
• Europe only talks about Ukraine but takes no real action.
• Europe’s immigration policy is disastrous; the U.S. was also facing disaster, but I was able to stop it.
• Zelensky will have to make concessions.
• Ukraine has lost a lot of land, and it’s very good land.
• There are countries that are difficult for NATO. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be in the alliance. I think it’s good that they’re there. For example, Turkey. Erdogan is my friend. When alliance members have a problem with Erdogan, they ask me to call him because they can’t talk to him. He’s a tough cookie. I actually like him a lot. He’s built a strong country, a strong army.
• I want to see a strong Europe.
• The days of Maduro’s rule are numbered.