Trump blamed the hostility between Putin and Zelenskyy for delaying peace efforts while claiming that a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is close.
US President Donald Trump said he believes a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war is close, blaming the strained relationship between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin for delaying peace efforts.
In an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Trump was asked what he believed was the biggest obstacle to ending the conflict.
“It was the hatred between Zelenskyy and Putin. If I had been president, that war would’ve never started. Zero chance. But it did start. So I inherited that war. I believe we’re very close to making a deal,” Trump said.
He claimed that the war could end soon through his intervention and suggested that Ukraine might have to accept changes to its territory as part of a settlement.
“I think we’re gonna have it done, and I think it’s gonna happen and they’re gonna end up with a little bit different shape Ukraine,” he said.
Trump Says No Reason To Escalate Iran War After Midterms
During the same interview, Trump was also questioned about whether he intended to escalate the conflict with Iran now that the US midterm elections were over.
“I’m not looking to. I don’t think there’s any reason to. I don’t think there’s any reason to,” he responded.
Trump also said that Iran’s nuclear material was buried under thousands of tonnes of rock and maintained that Washington had already achieved its military objectives.
US, Russia And Ukraine Set For Abu Dhabi Talks
Trump’s comments come ahead of planned trilateral discussions between the United States, Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. The meetings are expected to focus on ending the war, security guarantees for Ukraine and measures to reduce tensions.