Washington, 25 June (H.S.): United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his resilience in the ongoing war with Russia, describing him as a courageous leader who has managed to withstand intense military pressure despite the enormous challenges facing his country.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Zelensky had performed better than many observers expected in defending Ukraine against Russian forces. He acknowledged the heavy human cost of the conflict, noting that casualties continue to mount on both sides of the war.

Trump said the Ukrainian leader had demonstrated determination and leadership throughout the conflict. He also pointed to the effectiveness of Ukraine's military personnel and the support the country has received in the form of modern defence equipment.

The remarks marked a notable shift in tone from some of Trump's earlier comments regarding Ukraine's position in the conflict. His latest assessment comes amid renewed international diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war, which has now entered its fifth year.

Trump and President Zelensky recently met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where world leaders discussed ways to increase pressure on Russia and encourage progress toward a peaceful resolution. Following the meeting, Zelensky expressed appreciation for Trump's willingness to engage on issues related to Ukraine and efforts to advance peace.

The US President also indicated that Washington may revisit sanctions targeting Russian energy exports, signalling a tougher stance as Western nations continue to search for ways to influence Moscow's actions.

Military analysts note that while Ukraine has shown resilience on the battlefield and maintained defensive positions in several areas, Russian missile and drone attacks continue to pose a serious threat to Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.

The conflict remains one of the most significant geopolitical crises in Europe in recent decades, with diplomatic negotiations, economic sanctions, and military developments continuing to shape the course of the war.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar