President Trump Speaks with Putin?
(Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump by cnn.com)
President Donald Trump revealed in an interview published Saturday that he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to the New York Post, President Trump stated, “He wants to see people stop dying.”
The exact timing and frequency of these conversations remain unclear. CNN has reached out to the National Security Council for clarification.
Kremlin’s Response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to CNN, saying he “can neither deny nor confirm” the news. He acknowledged that Washington and Moscow communicate through various channels, especially as President Trump’s administration becomes more active.
President Trump’s Stance on the Ukraine War
President Trump expressed urgency in ending the war in Ukraine, now nearing its third anniversary. He previously promised to resolve the conflict within 24 hours of taking office.
“I hope it’s fast. Every day people are dying. This war is so bad in Ukraine. I want to end this damn thing,” President Trump said.
Push for Peace Talks
During an interview aboard Air Force One, President Trump instructed his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, to push for peace negotiations.
(President Zelenskyy meeting with President Trump by kyivindependent.com)
“They want to meet. Every day people are dying. Young handsome soldiers are being killed. Young men, like my sons. On both sides. All over the battlefield,” he added.
Meetings with Zelensky and Putin
President Trump hinted at upcoming discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and possibly President Putin.
“I will probably be meeting with President Zelensky next week, and I will probably be talking to President Putin,” he told reporters.
Zelensky is set to attend the Munich Security Conference, where Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Keith Kellogg will also be present. However, President Trump is not expected to attend the conference.
Ukraine’s Rare Earth Minerals & US Aid
Earlier this week, President Trump proposed a “deal” with Ukraine, suggesting that continued US support be tied to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
“We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine, where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earths and other things,” he said.
President Trump has long criticized the US burden in supporting Ukraine and expressed frustration that Europe has not contributed as much aid.
Russia’s Take on a Potential Meeting
Despite speculation about a Trump-Putin meeting, the Kremlin told CNN that no serious discussions have taken place yet.
“They haven’t had any initial contact to discuss whether they need to meet or not and if they need, when and how,” Peskov said.
However, a senior Russian lawmaker told state media that preparations for a meeting were already in motion and that it could happen as early as this month.
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