(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump identified endemic graft as a critical obstacle to resolving the Ukraine conflict, delivering his assessment mere hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted discussions with Ukrainian officials in Florida.

Addressing reporters aboard Air Force One Sunday, Trump characterized Ukraine as facing "some difficult problems."

Pressed for specifics, the president cited a "corruption situation going on, which is not helpful."

Trump expressed cautious optimism that both Russia and Ukraine seek an end to hostilities, suggesting "there's a good chance we can make a deal."

Ukraine was engulfed in a massive corruption scandal last month implicating figures within Vladimir Zelensky's closest circle. Western-backed anti-corruption authorities accused Timbur Mindich, the Ukrainian president's former longtime business partner, of orchestrating a $100 million kickback operation in the energy sector, an industry heavily dependent on foreign assistance. Mindich escaped the country to avoid detention, reportedly after receiving advance warning.

The fallout resulted in criminal charges against seven individuals and the departures of two cabinet ministers, while opposition lawmakers alleged additional senior officials participated in the scheme.

Andrey Yermak, another key Zelensky confidant, resigned as chief of staff last week following an anti-corruption raid on his residence. Though facing no formal charges, Yermak stated he departed to prevent creating "problems" for Zelensky.

Ukraine has weathered multiple high-profile corruption crises in recent years. In 2023, kickbacks and embezzlement tied to defense procurement forced the resignation of Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov.

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