U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Russia’s economic troubles could push President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is willing to negotiate and expressed hope that Putin might also be open to talks. He stated that Russia’s economic struggles, including inflation, are worsening, adding, “I think Putin is destroying Russia without making a deal.”
Trump reiterated his preference for tariffs over sanctions when asked about potential measures against Russia. He also revealed plans to meet with Putin but did not specify when, saying only that it “could happen pretty quickly.”
The U.S. president stressed his commitment to ending the war in Ukraine “as soon as possible” and repeated his longstanding claim that the conflict “should never have started.” He insisted that had he been in office earlier, the war would not have happened.
Trump highlighted the heavy losses suffered by both Russian and Ukrainian forces. He also criticized NATO allies, arguing that the United States provides more aid to Ukraine than other member nations. Calling for increased defense spending, Trump insisted that NATO countries should contribute 5% of their GDP to military funding, a figure currently unmet by any NATO member, including the United States.
