Washington, Jan 24: US President Donald Trump told reporters that Russia "should want to make a deal" with Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict, calling it a "horrible war." He emphasized his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately to discuss peace.
“I think Russia should want to make a deal. Maybe they want to make a deal. From what I hear, Putin would like to meet with me. I’d meet as soon as we can. Every day we don’t meet, soldiers are being killed,” Trump said during an Oval Office signing ceremony.
Trump described the war as one of the deadliest since World War II, highlighting the millions of lives lost on both battlefields and farmlands, and the continuous loss of soldiers. In his virtual address to the World Economic Forum (WEF), he stated, “Our efforts to secure a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine are hopefully underway. It's vital to get it done, as millions of soldiers are being killed. No one has seen anything like this since World War II. Soldiers are dying all over the fields, and it’s time to stop it."
Trump continued, “I really want to meet with President Putin soon to end the war. It's not about economics; it’s about the millions of lives being wasted. Young people, full of potential, are dying on the battlefield. I’ve seen photos of the devastation. We must stop this war—it’s terrible.”
When asked if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is open to negotiations, Trump replied, “He’s lost a lot of soldiers, and so has Russia. But Russia has lost more.”
Earlier this week, Trump posted on Truth Social, stating he would impose higher tariffs and more sanctions on Russia if Putin does not end the war. Speaking virtually at the WEF in Davos, Switzerland, Trump expressed hope that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are “hopefully underway.”
Trump reiterated the importance of ending the conflict, calling it a “killing field,” with millions of soldiers dying. He noted that the war, now in its fourth year, continues to cause significant casualties. Western officials report Russia’s incremental gains on the frontline result in up to 1,500 deaths and injuries daily, with the total casualties nearing 700,000.
Despite his earlier pledge to end the war on the first day of his administration, Trump acknowledged that this deadline was missed. However, he remains committed to securing peace, repeating his desire to meet Putin in person. “I really want to meet President Putin soon to get that war ended,” he said.
Trump also offered a critical view of Putin, noting that the Russian leader is "not doing so well," a shift from his previous more favorable stance. He expressed his belief that Ukraine "is ready to make a deal" and mentioned his intention to involve Chinese President Xi Jinping in efforts to secure peace.