Did Trump Claim Putin Wants to Conclude the War in Ukraine?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump claims Putin desires to end the war.
- Meeting with Trump's allies described as positive.
- Trump believes the war could have been avoided.
- Reported casualties are alarmingly high.
- US is not directly funding Ukraine's efforts.
Washington, Dec 4 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin "would like to bring an end to the war" in Ukraine, referencing what he described as a "very positive meeting" between Putin and two of Trump's close associates, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, in Moscow.
Trump informed reporters at the White House on Wednesday (local time) that he had discussed the outcome of the meeting with Kushner and Witkoff. "Their impression was that he would like to see the war brought to a close," Trump mentioned. "I believe he desires to return to a more conventional lifestyle. I think he would prefer to be trading with the United States of America, rather than suffering the loss of thousands of soldiers each week."
He further commented, "I thought they had a very fruitful meeting yesterday with President Putin. We'll see what unfolds. This is a conflict that should never have been initiated. If I were president... this conflict would have never arisen."
Trump reiterated his long-held belief that had he been in office, the conflict would not have occurred. "If I were president, there would have been no war. They would have retained 100 percent of their territory. Nothing would have transpired," he asserted.
He described the loss of life on the battlefield as devastating. "Consider this—last month, 27,000 soldiers... predominantly young soldiers perished in just one month," he said. "That's the sole reason I'm attempting to assist."
Trump also mentioned that the US is no longer directly funding Ukraine's military efforts, stating, "We're not investing any money in the war; we're selling to NATO. We're not being exploited as we were under Biden."
When asked about Kremlin reports indicating no willingness to compromise, Trump replied, "I have no idea what the Kremlin is doing."
The back-channel communications from Trump's team with Moscow have attracted international attention amidst stagnant front-line dynamics and ongoing diplomatic negotiations. Casualty statistics in the conflict remain disputed, while the US and European allies deliberate military and political strategies for concluding the war.
President Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday for a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.