Trump sees "good chance" for Russia-Ukraine peace, but warns of US red line

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the possibility of peace between Russia and Ukraine, saying there is a "good chance" for an agreement, while also cautioning that the US has a "red line" in the upcoming talks.

After a two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin on May 19, the US president announced that Russia-Ukraine discussions will begin "immediately," though it remains unclear how these talks will differ from earlier negotiations held in Türkiye on May 16, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Mr Trump said he does have a red line on when he will stop pushing Moscow and Kyiv for peace — but he refused to reveal what it is. "There are 'big egos involved'," he said before adding: "This was a European situation, it should have remained a European situation."

During the call, Mr Trump said he asked Mr Putin: "When are we going to end this bloodbath?" He added of the Russian president: "I do believe he wants to end [the war]."

"My whole life is deals, one big deal, and if I thought that President Putin did not want to get this over with, I wouldn't even be talking about it because I'd just pull out," Mr Trump said.

The US president's outreach to Putin is part of a bid to encourage the two countries toward a truce. In a Truth Social post published shortly after the call, Mr Trump said Russia and Ukraine "will immediately start negotiations towards a ceasefire and, more importantly, an end to the war."

He also emphasised economic opportunities, stating, "Russia wants to do large-scale trade with the United States when this catastrophic 'bloodbath' is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is unlimited."

Mr Trump added that Ukraine "can be a great beneficiary on trade, in the process of rebuilding its country."

By Khagan Isayev