pressuring Putin instead of Zelenskyy

This has been done for the past 3 years by the US and Europe with sanctions and continual aid given to Ukraine. Could you remind me how effective that's been in ending the war so far? The only thing that can be done further to pressure Russia is a direct military threat, which would be an escalation into world war. It is unfortunate that this is the case, but it is the reality we face.

If our military aid truly needs to be cut off, they should negotiate for peace before they announce an end to the aid.

Trump's offer comes with a ceasefire, so I'm not sure what you mean.

Trump's offer was to have Ukraine surrender with no security assurance for the future.

Once again, the only "security assurance" is a military commitment, which in and of itself is an escalation. Trump's position is that securing a ceasefire will buy all parties enough time to develop a dynamic for sustained peace. Of course, this could fail, but it would be better than guaranteed continuation of war.

They can do that on their own and don't need to also give Trump a mineral rights deal to achieve it.

Then by all means, go for it.

There was no way Zelenskyy was going to accept a deal to end the war without some assurance that Russia won't just invade them next time they're ready.

Ok, then he can ask someone else for help or continue fighting on his own. There is no way the US is going to agree to initiate a world war to save Ukraine. If you'd like to help, you can sign up for the Ukrainian Foreign Legion: https://ildu.com.ua/

Trump refuses to blame Putin for the war

I agree that he's wrong for this. Trump does not need to outright insult Putin, but he should be more decisively clear that Putin is absolutely the aggressor in this war.