Trump vows to end Ukraine war first, eyes Iran talks next

US President Donald Trump has stated that he intends to end the war in Ukraine following the peace agreement on Gaza.

Trump noted that it would be “great” to reach a peace deal with Iran but emphasised that “first we need to deal with Russia,” Caliber.Az reports via The White House YouTube channel.

“And I think that would be great. Would you be happy? Wouldn't that be good, do you think? But first we need to finish with Russia. We need to deal with that. If you don't mind, Steve (Witkoff - ed.), let's focus on Russia first,” the US leader said.

This echoes Zelenskyy's plea and builds on Trump's prior efforts: a failed August 2025 Alaska summit with Putin; a February Saudi Arabia meeting; and a July deadline cut short amid Russian intransigence. Russia claims "momentum" from talks is "exhausted," having captured ~5,000 sq km in 2025, while Ukraine seeks territorial restoration and NATO guarantees. Trump has shifted from "24-hour" rhetoric to a phased approach, potentially involving land concessions for security pacts—though Zelenskyy insists on no swaps without guarantees.

By Khagan Isayev