Trump Sees Path to Ukraine-Russia Negotiations Despite Leaders’ Animosity
A potential for success remains in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, despite deep-seated animosity between their leaders, according to former US President Donald Trump. He indicated a belief that a settlement is becoming increasingly attainable, even as the conflict continues to claim lives.
Trump made the remarks while signing decrees at the White House, as reported by “European Truth.” He was responding to a question regarding the prospects for negotiations should the United States abstain from direct participation.
“There is a chance for success,” Trump stated.
He further elaborated, “I’ve finished eight wars, but Zelensky and Putin hate each other and that complicates everything. But I think we’re getting closer to a settlement.” The former president reiterated his concerns about the escalating death toll and expressed a strong desire to bring an end to the bloodshed. “I think we have a good chance of an agreement,” he added.
A new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is anticipated on February 1st. However, US Secretary of State Marco rubio indicated that neither US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff nor Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will be present, though US involvement remains “likely.”
Trump previously claimed, on January 29th, that he had requested a temporary cessation of hostilities from Russia – a one-week pause on strikes against Kyiv and other cities – for humanitarian reasons, and that the request was allegedly granted. He did not specify a start date for this proposed pause.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky countered this claim on January 30th, stating that no direct agreement regarding a halt to Russian strikes had been reached with Moscow.Zelensky warned that if Russia persists in targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Kyiv would respond in kind, targeting assets supporting the russian military operation.
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