Washington, Aug. 11 — U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed his plans for an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he will urge Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. He also commented on recent remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump stressed that the talks with Putin will be preliminary, after which he intends to speak with Zelensky and European leaders. His goal, he said, is to arrange a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky, attending himself if necessary.
While noting that he has “good relations” with Zelensky, Trump expressed strong disagreement with the Ukrainian leader’s stance that any territorial decisions would require constitutional approval in Kyiv.
“I have good relations with Zelensky, but I very strongly disagree with what he has done,” Trump said.
Citing polling data, Trump claimed that 88% of Ukrainians want a peace deal with Russia and that European nations are “tired of the conflict” and eager to redirect spending back to their own countries.
“They want to spend money on their countries again,” the U.S. president remarked.
At a press conference, Trump said he planned to “go to Russia,” later clarifying — via American media reports — that he meant traveling to strike a deal with Russia, rather than a literal state visit.
