Trump Says Putin Is Keen To Reach Ukraine War Settlement

US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was keen to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine, while accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of resisting a compromise.

“Russia would like to make a deal… but for whatever reason, Zelensky does not want to make a deal,” Trump told reporters.

Referring to his phone conversation with Putin on Friday, Trump said the Russian leader strongly wanted to reach a settlement to end the conflict.

Trump also questioned Zelensky’s decision not to hold an election since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“I think he should have an election and he could have settled this thing many times,” Trump said.

The remarks came as Trump and Zelensky exchanged criticism following Washington’s move to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports.

Trump accused Zelensky of defying his instructions by targeting Russian oil refineries, warning that such attacks could worsen global fuel shortages linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Zelensky, meanwhile, criticised Trump’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel, calling the move a “weak decision.”