In a controversial statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that he finds negotiating with Russia “easier” than dealing with Ukraine when it comes to efforts to end the war in the pro-Western country. During a televised press conference at the White House, Trump reiterated his trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that he believes Putin is genuinely interested in concluding the conflict.
“I believe him,” Trump stated, referring to the Russian leader. “I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine, and they don’t have the cards,” he added, implying that Kyiv lacks leverage in the ongoing crisis.
Trump’s remarks come as Ukraine continues to fight off Russia’s military aggression, now in its third year. The former president has taken a hard stance on Ukraine, even ordering a pause in U.S. military and intelligence assistance to Kyiv as part of an effort to apply pressure on Ukrainian leadership.
Despite earlier threats of new sanctions against Russia, Trump appeared to justify Putin’s recent large-scale bombing campaign across Ukraine, saying he understood why Russia was taking such actions. “I actually think he’s doing what anybody in that position would be doing right now,” he said, further emphasizing his belief in Putin’s willingness to negotiate peace.
Trump also warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the potential consequences of delaying a settlement. Zelensky has insisted on securing Western security guarantees before agreeing to any ceasefire with Russia, a position that Trump appears to oppose.
“I don’t know that they want to settle. If they don’t want to settle, we’re out of there because we want them to settle. I’m doing it to stop death,” Trump declared, hinting at a possible withdrawal of U.S. involvement if Ukraine does not agree to a deal.
His comments are expected to spark further debate about the U.S. role in the war and its commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
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