Trump stays optimistic on Ukraine peace after Middle East hostage swap

US President Donald Trump is reportedly “optimistic” about the possibility of achieving peace in Ukraine following a successful hostage exchange in the Middle East.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told POLITICO that the President has long expressed a desire to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, just as he secured the release of hostages and ended the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Caliber.Az reports.

The representative added that Russia must be motivated to come to the negotiating table due to its military and economic situation.

He noted that Trump “remains optimistic” and believes he can persuade both sides to “stop senseless killings.”

POLITICO also reports that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, outlined three main foreign policy goals to international colleagues: ending the conflict in Gaza, ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, and reaching a new nuclear deal with Iran.

By Jeyhun Aghazada