Trump reports "modest progress" in Ukraine conflict resolution, criticizes strikes on Russia

US President-elect Donald Trump said "modest progress" had been made in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine but offered no specifics on the developments.

Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump noted that his team was focused on addressing global crises, including the war in Ukraine and the release of hostages in the Middle East, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Trump noted that they are actively assisting in securing the release of hostages in Israel and the Middle East and emphasized their ongoing efforts in this regard.

“We’re trying to get the war stopped. That horrible, horrible war that is going on in Ukraine with Russia. We’ve got a little progress. It is a tough one, it is a nasty one,” Trump said.

Moreover, on December 16, Trump suggested he might reverse President Joe Biden's recent decision to permit Ukrainian forces to use American long-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory. 

He criticized Biden's decision, made last month, as "stupid" and expressed frustration that his incoming administration was not consulted beforehand. The decision involved loosening restrictions to allow Ukraine to deploy the Army Tactical Missile System provided by the US, enabling strikes on Russian positions hundreds of miles from the border.

"I don't think that should have been allowed, not when there's a possibility – certainly not just weeks before I take over," Trump said during a wide-ranging news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

"Why would they do that without asking me what I thought? I wouldn't have had him do that. I think it was a big mistake."

Trump's sharp criticism of the Biden administration's decision comes as the Democratic administration seeks to utilize all remaining funds designated for Ukraine to support its defence against Russia's invasion before Trump takes office on January 20, leaving the future of such aid uncertain.

By Aghakazim Guliyev