US President Trump says Ukraine has shown 'zero gratitude' to Washington

US President Donald Trump criticised Ukraine's government on Sunday, claiming it had shown "zero gratitude" for American support and accusing European nations of continuing to buy Russian oil despite sanctions.

Trump also repeated his claim that the war would never have happened if he had been in office when Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

In a statement published on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the war as "violent and terrible" and again claimed the 2020 presidential election was "rigged and stolen."

Trump argued that "strong and proper US and Ukrainian leadership" could have prevented the conflict.

Describing the war as "a loser for everyone," Trump said he had "inherited a war that should have never happened," blaming what he characterised as needless loss of life on failed leadership in both Washington and Kyiv.

Zelenskyy: 'Russia and only Russia' responsible

Hours after Trump's post, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X that Russia bore sole responsibility for the war.

"The crux of the entire diplomatic situation is that it was Russia, and only Russia, that started this war, and it is Russia, and only Russia" responsible, Zelenskyy wrote.

Russian commanders operate under explicit orders that permit unrestricted brutality, contributing to the high death toll on the front line and continued strikes on Ukrainian cities, Zelenskyy said.

He also accused Russia of abducting Ukrainian children and attempting to "re-educate" them to eventually fight against their own country.

However, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the US and its allies, thanking "every American heart" and Trump for assistance that he said has been "saving Ukrainian lives," beginning with early deliveries of Javelin anti-tank systems.

He also acknowledged support from Europe, the G7 and the G20, urging partners to maintain it.

As Ukraine peace negotiations have dominated the global agenda in recent days, Western allies, the US and Ukraine have been holding parallel meetings. EU partners on Saturday in South Africa reviewed the peace plan proposed by Washington, while leaders continued negotiations in Geneva on Sunday.