Trump: Ukraine war settlement 'getting very close' after Xi talks
Synopsis
Donald Trump declared a Russia-Ukraine settlement is 'getting very close' — his most optimistic public signal yet on ending a war now in its fourth year. With a China summit imminent and Xi Jinping potentially playing a back-channel role, the next few weeks could be pivotal for global diplomacy, energy markets, and India's delicate balancing act between Moscow and the West.
Key Takeaways
Donald Trump said on 13 May that a Russia-Ukraine peace settlement is "getting very close".
Trump denied reports of any understanding with Vladimir Putin over full Russian control of the Donbas region.
He predicted oil prices would fall as soon as the war ends, citing benefits for global energy markets and inflation.
Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping , with Ukraine expected to feature in their discussions.
India faces continued Western pressure over discounted Russian crude purchases, with a settlement potentially easing that diplomatic strain.
US President Donald Trump on 13 May said a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine was "getting very close", expressing rare optimism that the more-than-four-year conflict could be nearing a diplomatic resolution. Trump made the remarks to reporters before departing aboard Marine One, ahead of his anticipated trip to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping.
What Trump Said
"The end of the war in Ukraine, I really think it's getting very close," Trump said when asked about his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He returned to the theme moments later: "That war is getting closer. Believe it or not, it's getting closer. We think we're going to end up getting a settlement between Russia and Ukraine."
Trump offered no specifics on any breakthrough or timeline, but indicated that ongoing negotiations were making progress. He described himself as prepared to do "whatever's necessary" to help end the conflict.
Donbas Denial and Diplomatic Signals
Trump also pushed back against reports suggesting an understanding had been reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin over control of the Donbas region. When asked directly whether Russia should receive the entire Donbas, Trump flatly replied: "No. No."
The denial is notable given persistent speculation in diplomatic circles that any settlement framework could involve territorial concessions by Kyiv. Trump's remarks suggest the White House is, at least publicly, not endorsing such a formula.
Economic Angle: Oil Prices and Inflation
Trump also argued that resolving the Ukraine conflict would deliver significant economic benefits globally. "As soon as this war is over, you're going to see oil prices drop," he said, linking the end of geopolitical tensions to relief in global energy markets and inflation. The remarks came as Trump discussed the Iran situation and broader market conditions in the same interaction.
India's Balancing Act
The push for a Ukraine settlement carries particular significance for India, which has faced sustained pressure from Western nations over its continued purchases of discounted Russian crude oil since the war began in early 2022. New Delhi has simultaneously deepened energy and defence cooperation with the United States and Europe, seeking to maintain its longstanding strategic partnership with Moscow while avoiding direct confrontation with Western allies. A negotiated end to the war could ease that balancing pressure considerably.
What Comes Next
Trump's China visit is expected to place global conflicts, including Ukraine, prominently on the bilateral agenda. International diplomatic efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine to the table have intensified in recent months, though Moscow has repeatedly resisted preconditions for talks. Whether Trump's expressed optimism reflects a concrete diplomatic development or a broader signalling posture remains to be seen.
Point of View
But optimism is not a roadmap. The absence of any specifics — no timeline, no framework, no mediator named — means this could be genuine diplomatic momentum or pre-summit positioning ahead of his China visit. What is telling is the Donbas denial: if Trump is publicly ruling out gifting Russia the entire region, it suggests some red lines remain. For India, a negotiated end would relieve the uncomfortable squeeze between its Russian energy dependence and its Western strategic partnerships — but New Delhi has learned not to plan around Washington's foreign policy timelines.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trump say about the Ukraine war on 13 May?
Trump said a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine was 'getting very close', expressing optimism that the conflict could soon end. He made the remarks to reporters before boarding Marine One, ahead of his planned trip to China.
Did Trump agree that Russia should get the Donbas?
No. Trump explicitly denied reports of any understanding with Vladimir Putin over full Russian control of the Donbas region, saying 'No. No.' when asked directly. He gave no details on what territorial framework, if any, is under discussion.
How does the Ukraine war relate to Trump's China visit?
Trump indicated that global conflicts, including Ukraine, would likely be discussed during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the conflict, making the meeting diplomatically significant.
What economic impact did Trump link to ending the Ukraine war?
Trump said oil prices would drop as soon as the war ends, arguing that resolving geopolitical tensions would benefit global energy markets and help bring down inflation. He made the remarks while discussing Iran and broader market conditions.
How does a potential Ukraine settlement affect India?
India has faced Western pressure over its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil since the war began. A negotiated settlement could ease that diplomatic strain, though India has simultaneously been deepening energy and defence ties with the US and Europe to balance its relationship with Russia.
