Zelenskyy laughs as Trump claims Putin wants Ukraine to “succeed”
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shake hands during a press conference after their lunch meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

President Donald Trump sparked widespread disbelief — and open laughter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — after claiming Sunday that Russia would help rebuild Ukraine because Vladimir Putin wants the country to “succeed.” The surreal remark came during a press conference at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort following peace talks, where Trump went on to describe Putin as “very generous” toward Ukraine, prompting Zelenskyy to visibly laugh. The comments ignited a social media firestorm, with journalists, analysts, and former officials blasting Trump for echoing Kremlin-friendly talking points and questioning his grasp on the reality of a war defined by Russia’s invasion, destruction, and mass civilian suffering.

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Zelenskyy laughs as Trump claims Putin wants Ukraine to “succeed”