US President Donald Trump said Russia would have to make “concessions” in talks with Ukraine

Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump said Ukraine “can forget” about joining NATO but that Russia will have to make “concessions” in talks with Ukraine.

The United States would “try very hard” to negotiate a solution that ensures Ukraine regains as much as possible, Trump told reporters before his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday (local time).

Trump said, “You try and take it away, right?” in response to a question about whether Russia’s retention of seized areas would send a dangerous message. We’re going to do our hardest. We will make every effort to get the best possible agreement for all parties. However, we will make every effort to reach a favorable agreement for Ukraine so that they may recoup as much as possible. Our goal is to recover as much as we can.

Trump did not, however, outline the specific compromises he was looking for from Ukraine and Russia. He blamed NATO for the conflict that started in 2022 and said that Ukraine “can forget” about joining the alliance.

Trump added, “I don’t want to tell right now,” in response to a question about the compromises he was considering. However, you may disregard NATO, I can assure you. That’s been, and I believe that’s likely how it all began.”

Trump during the news conference called Russian President Vladimir Putin “a very smart and cunning person.” He implied that Putin would have persisted in his advance across Ukraine if he had not been elected.

“He is an extremely intelligent man. He is a really crafty individual. However, I’ve had to deal with some awful individuals. Regarding this, however, you must realize that, in my view, he had no intention of resolving this conflict. Trump said, “I believe he wanted the entire thing.”

“We chatted after I was elected, and I believe we will reach an agreement. I can’t promise that to you. A deal is a deal, you know. Deals include a lot of odd stuff, don’t they? However, I believe we will reach an agreement. I think that if I hadn’t been elected, he would have just kept moving into Ukraine, killing a lot of people over time. It would have continued for a while. And the reason why Ukraine—I hold Ukraine in high regard as combatants.

Their warriors are excellent. But, as some said, the war would have ended quickly without our armaments,” he continued.

Trump also revealed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, would go to the United States on Friday and sign a “very big agreement.”

“The Russia-Ukraine relationship is doing very nicely. On Friday, President Zelenskyy will arrive. It’s verified now. Additionally, a very significant deal will be signed by us. Additionally, I would want to express my gratitude to Howard and Scott for their excellent work assembling it. done a very fantastic job. Trump said, “And that will be on rare earth and other things.”

Zelenskyy’s visit comes after Keith Kellogg, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Russia and Ukraine, visited Kyiv last week. Security assurances, prisoner swaps, and military advancements were among the topics they discussed.

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s preparedness for a “strong, effective investment and security agreement” with the United States and its dedication to peace.

“I had a productive meeting with @SPE_Kellogg–a good discussion, many important details,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X. For all of the help and bipartisan support that the United States has shown for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, I am thankful. We, as well as the free world at large, need to feel the might of America. We discussed in-depth the state of affairs on the battlefield, the repatriation of our POWs, and practical security assurances.

“Ukraine has sought peace from the first second of this war,” he said. In order for Russia to never wage war again, we must and can guarantee a solid and long-lasting peace. Ukraine is prepared for a robust, successful investment and security deal with the US president. The quickest and most effective method to get results is what we have suggested. Every day, our crew is prepared to work. We are all united by success. The world benefits from strong ties between the US and Ukraine. I appreciate General Kellogg’s collaborative efforts in achieving significant outcomes.