President Donald Trump revealed in an interview with the New York Post that he recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the details of when or how often the two leaders have communicated remain unclear, Trump described their relationship as “good” and shared his commitment to ending the war in Ukraine, which is approaching its third anniversary.
Trump Pushes for a Swift End to the Ukraine Conflict
During the interview, Trump expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating that he wants it to end quickly. “Every day people are dying. This war is so bad in Ukraine. I want to end this damn thing,” he said. Trump had previously promised to end the conflict within 24 hours of taking office.
He further revealed that discussions aimed at achieving peace had already “made a lot of progress.”
Directing His National Security Adviser to Accelerate Talks
As Trump traveled aboard Air Force One to Florida on Friday, he instructed his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, to intensify efforts to organize meetings related to the conflict. “They want to meet. Every day people are dying. Young handsome soldiers are being killed. Young men, like my sons, on both sides. All over the battlefield,” Trump said.
Plans to Meet Zelensky and Possibly Speak with Putin
Trump told reporters that he “probably” plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week and hinted at another possible conversation with Putin. “I will probably be meeting with President Zelensky next week, and I will probably be talking to President Putin,” Trump said.
Zelensky is expected to lead Ukraine’s delegation at the upcoming Munich Security Conference, where US Vice President JD Vance and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will also be present. However, Trump himself is not scheduled to attend the event.
Trump’s Focus on Rare Earth Minerals in US-Ukraine Talks
Trump also revealed that his administration is working on a deal with Ukraine involving rare earth minerals. These minerals are essential for producing electronics, defense equipment, and various advanced technologies. Trump explained that future US assistance to Ukraine could be tied to securing access to these resources.
“We’re looking to do a deal with Ukraine, where they’re going to secure what we’re giving them with their rare earths and other things,” Trump said, criticizing European nations for not providing Ukraine with the same level of support as the US.
This transactional approach offers insight into Trump’s intentions regarding US involvement in the Ukraine conflict. While he has consistently criticized the financial burden placed on the US in aiding Kyiv, he has not fully clarified whether he intends to continue or reduce support in the long term.
Kremlin’s Response and Potential Meeting
Despite Trump’s remarks, the Kremlin indicated that no formal discussions have been held regarding a meeting between Trump and Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “They haven’t had any initial contact to discuss whether they need to meet or not and if they need, when and how.”
However, reports from Russian state media suggest that “advanced” preparations are underway for a potential meeting between the two leaders, possibly as early as this month.
Trump’s comments highlight his dual focus on peace talks and securing US interests through negotiations involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. His urgency in ending the conflict underscores his desire to bring stability to the region, but his transactional approach may affect the dynamics of US-Ukraine relations.
With plans to meet Zelensky and potentially speak with Putin, the coming weeks could provide critical updates on Trump’s strategy for resolving the crisis.
