Trump says he spoke with Putin about ending battle in Ukraine, New York Put up experiences

U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the battle in Ukraine however declined to say what number of instances they’d spoken, the New York Put up reported on Feb. 8.

Trump additionally claimed that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine wouldn’t have occurred if he had been president in 2022. He advised the New York Put up, which interviewed him aboard Air Pressure One, that he "all the time had relationship" with Putin.

Trump mentioned he had a concrete plan to finish the battle, including, "I hope it’s quick. Every single day, individuals are dying. This battle is so unhealthy in Ukraine. I need to finish this rattling factor." He additionally mentioned he believes Putin "does care" concerning the deaths on the battlefield.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned he couldn’t verify or deny whether or not Trump had spoken with Putin.

Since taking workplace in January, Trump and his administration have emphasised their want for a swift decision to the battle.

On Feb. 7, U.S. Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned they hoped to finish the battle "as shortly as attainable." The administration had beforehand set a aim of reaching a decision throughout the first 100 days of Trump's inauguration.

Additionally on Feb. 7, Trump mentioned he could meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky subsequent week in Washington.

Zelensky has mentioned Ukraine’s safety is his precedence in any negotiations and that it’s essential for him to fulfill with Trump earlier than any talks with Putin.

"It is vitally necessary. In any other case, it would appear like a dialogue about Ukraine with out Ukraine," Zelensky advised Reuters in an interview printed Feb. 7. "It’s nonetheless necessary for companions to debate their points first after which have a dialog with the enemy."

Trump has additionally said that Washington desires entry to Ukraine’s uncommon earth minerals in trade for assist. Zelensky has responded that Kyiv is open to mining offers with companions.

Security guarantees for Ukraine ‘main issue’ in talks with Trump, Zelensky says“It is very important, otherwise it will look like a dialogue about Ukraine without Ukraine,” Zelensky told Reuters. “It is still important for partners to discuss their issues first, and then have a conversation with the enemy.”The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk