US President Donald Trump on Monday called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to strike a deal to end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, specifying that Russia will be in "big trouble" if the conflict continues.
"He should make a deal. I think he's destroying Russia by not making a deal," Trump said upon his return to the Oval Office. "I think Russia's going to be in big trouble."
Trump expressed his willingness to meet with Putin, mentioning their prior summit during his first term. "I got along with him great. I would hope he wants to make a deal," Trump added.
The US president also referenced conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyy, saying that Zelenskyy expressed a desire for a peace agreement to end the war, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "Most people thought that war would have been over in one week," Trump said. "I think he’d be very well off to end that war."
Meanwhile, Putin signaled openness to negotiations with the new US administration. In televised remarks on Monday, he said he was ready for dialogue on the Ukraine conflict and pointed out the need for a sustainable resolution.
"We are also open to dialogue with the new US administration on the Ukrainian conflict," Putin said, congratulating Trump on his upcoming inauguration. "As for the settlement of the situation itself, I want to emphasise that its goal should not be a brief truce but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people."
Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its national interests, saying, "We will, of course, fight for the interests of Russia, for the interests of the Russian people."
During his campaign, Trump had repeatedly stressed his ability to mediate the conflict, describing the war as "dying to be settled" and warning of the potential for escalation into "World War III."
Putin acknowledged Trump's stance, saying he "welcomed" the president's determination to prevent a global conflict.
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