Former President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine during a recent press gaggle in West Palm Beach, Florida. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump expressed his belief that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are interested in finding a resolution to the war, which he characterized as a conflict that "should have never started."
Trump arrived in Florida on Saturday and took the opportunity to discuss his views on the war during a brief media session at Palm Beach International Airport. He stated, "I think they want to stop fighting," emphasizing his commitment to negotiating peace between the two nations. He further remarked, "We’re working very hard on it," indicating that he sees a path forward for dialogue.
When asked about the involvement of Zelenskyy in the peace discussions, Trump confirmed that the Ukrainian leader would be part of the conversations. He also mentioned that he would support European nations in purchasing American-made weapons intended for Ukraine, reflecting his approach to international military support.
The former president’s comments come at a time when discussions about peace negotiations are expected to take place in Saudi Arabia. While it was reported that Ukraine may not be directly involved in these talks, Trump’s national security advisor, Michael Waltz, highlighted the importance of establishing key principles to ensure a lasting end to the conflict. Waltz noted that while the U.S. and Europe have provided significant support to Ukraine, there is a growing consensus that the conflict needs to come to a conclusion.
Trump’s remarks align with sentiments expressed by Zelenskyy in a recent interview, where the Ukrainian president suggested that Putin might be apprehensive about Trump’s potential influence in negotiations. Zelenskyy noted, "I think he’s really a little bit scared about President Trump," suggesting that Trump could play a pivotal role in pushing for peace talks.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution to a war that has resulted in significant loss and suffering. The dynamics of the conflict and the potential for peace negotiations remain complex, with various factors at play that could influence the outcome.