Former President Donald Trump recently expressed his belief that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are eager to end the ongoing conflict, though neither knows how to achieve this goal.
Responding to a journalist’s inquiry about his confidence in this assertion, Trump attributed it to his extensive background in deal-making. “I’ve dealt with deals all my life. I think Putin probably wants this,” he stated.
Despite the ongoing hostility between the two leaders, Trump emphasized that both desire a resolution to the conflict but are at a loss for how to proceed. “There is a lot of hatred between them. They both want it to end. They don’t know how to do it. We will help them achieve it,” he declared.
Context
- On October 9, following a conversation with Putin, Trump announced an agreement for the supply of Russian diesel to the U.S. and global markets, set to last until April 7, 2027. Zelensky described the deal as an “investment in war,” criticizing the easing of sanctions without de-escalation agreements as an “obvious weakness.”
- The next day, Trump criticized Zelensky in a press discussion, accusing him of resisting peace negotiations and suggesting it might be time for Ukraine to find a new president capable of negotiating. Zelensky has repeatedly expressed his readiness for peace talks that do not involve Ukraine’s capitulation.
- In response, Zelensky indicated his willingness to hold presidential elections in Ukraine if Putin agrees to a complete 60-day ceasefire, a proposal that has yet to be acknowledged by the Kremlin.
