Key facts
- Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Trump stated Putin wants to make a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
- Trump suggested the conflict's continuation is due to animosity between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
- The call followed diplomatic efforts by U.S. special envoy Jared Kushner and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated he had a "great" conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the week, during which Putin expressed a desire to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Trump told reporters that if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also wants to make a deal, it would be beneficial. The call occurred shortly after U.S. special envoy Jared Kushner and Trump's son-in-law returned from diplomatic discussions in Moscow and Kyiv aimed at resolving the conflict. Despite these interactions, U.S., Ukrainian, and European intelligence officials reportedly remain skeptical of Putin's genuine interest in ending the war, which is now in its fourth year. Trump attributed the stalemate to personal animosity between Putin and Zelenskiy.