Trump to discuss Ukraine conflict with Putin soon

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would soon speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin to explore potential avenues for ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Trump's remarks came a day after Putin indicated Russia's readiness for talks with the United States on a broad range of issues, including the war, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

"I've spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy numerous times, and they would like to see peace," Trump told reporters, adding that both Zelenskyy and Putin are inclined towards finding an end to the conflict. He further emphasized that the war could have been avoided and expressed a desire to help bring about a peaceful resolution.

Trump reiterated his stance that had he been in office, the war would not have begun. His comments underscore his long-standing assertion that he would have handled relations with Russia differently, preventing the escalation into war.

In a television interview on Friday, Putin confirmed that Russia is open to discussions with the U.S. on the Ukraine conflict. He stated, "We believe the current president's statements about his readiness to work together. We are always open to this and ready for negotiations."

Regarding his first international trip, Trump suggested it could either be to Saudi Arabia or the United Kingdom. Reflecting on past trips, he recalled a visit to Saudi Arabia where the kingdom made substantial deals, including the purchase of $450 billion in U.S. merchandise, including military and agricultural products. He left the door open for a similar trip, contingent on favorable terms.

Trump also mentioned an upcoming call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, noting that while Starmer's liberal views differ from his own, he believes the Prime Minister has done a good job thus far.

In a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump discussed the issue of oil prices, accusing the Biden administration of allowing prices to rise, which he claimed indirectly contributed to the war in Ukraine. He suggested that lowering oil prices would pressure Russia to end the conflict, a sentiment he has reiterated throughout his public remarks.

By Khagan Isayev