Trump suggests replacing Zelensky for Russia-Ukraine peace talks

US President Donald Trump has suggested replacing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for peace talks with Russia, claiming Zelensky could have ended the war much earlier with a better deal if he had followed Trump’s advice. Speaking to reporters on Monday before departing the White House for Kansas, Trump stated that Zelensky should have initiated efforts to resolve the conflict long ago.Trump further asserted that it is time for Ukraine to put forward a different individual to negotiate with Russia, citing the significant loss of life and Ukraine’s dwindling male population due to the war. He accused Zelensky of not doing enough to stop the conflict and reiterated his desire to prevent further deaths.The US President also defended his decision to ease sanctions on Russia, stating that he is working to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Responding to Zelensky’s accusation that he is on the wrong side of history, Trump said his objective is to stop the war.Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a trilateral summit with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to end the Ukraine war. This proposed meeting, which would not include Ukraine or European allies, is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Shenzhen, China, on November 18 and 19. Trump reportedly made this trilateral talks proposal during a telephone conversation with Putin on October 9, 2026. While Trump has not formally agreed, US officials indicate he may be receptive to the offer.Meanwhile, new rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the United States, are set to begin in Abu Dhabi. Zelensky confirmed these discussions will take place on Wednesday and Thursday in the UAE capital. Trump has also announced he will send his special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Moscow and Kyiv in an effort to end the four-year conflict.The conflict has had a severe economic impact on Ukraine, with officials bracing for a difficult winter. Russia’s intensified attacks on infrastructure and key export industries have led to a deepening economic crisis. Damage to infrastructure and fixed assets from Russian airstrikes this year is estimated at nearly $10 billion. Furthermore, increased Russian aerial attacks on southern regions have effectively shut down Black Sea ports, jeopardizing approximately $40 billion in export revenue.Despite these challenges, the war has become increasingly costly for Russia. In the first six months of 2026, for every Ukrainian soldier killed or wounded, approximately eight Russian soldiers have suffered casualties. Ukraine’s significant improvements in drone capabilities have expanded the frontline’s ‘kill zone,’ making Russian advances considerably more difficult. Ukrainian forces have also reportedly erased almost all territorial gains made by Russia since March 2026.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russia, stating its aim is to explore the possibility of avoiding another devastating year of war and conflict. Trump had previously announced an agreement with Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks on energy facilities on October 11, 2026, though Zelensky stated he had no knowledge of the details of this agreement.The Russia-Ukraine war has had indirect effects on Nepal, particularly impacting crude oil and related small and large-scale trade. Nepal, which imports a significant amount of wheat from India and Russia, could face price increases if Russia raises wheat export prices. The disruption of sunflower oil raw material imports from Ukraine is also likely to affect Nepali households. The conflict is expected to drive up prices of petroleum products, cooking oil, and precious metals in Nepal. Trade with Russia may also face hurdles, including issues with bank payments and transit.