Donald Trump said talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine will begin “immediately” - after the US President had phone calls with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump said he has agreed to meet the Russian leader and they are committed to working “closely” to bring the conflict in Ukraine to an end.
According to Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy are both ready for "peace".
Speaking in the White House, the US President told reporters he will meet with Mr Putin soon.
“We expect that he'll come here and I'll go there and we're going to meet also probably in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“The first time we'll meet in Saudi Arabia, see if we get something done.
“But we want to end that war - that war is a disaster.
“I think we'll probably end up at some point getting a ceasefire in the not too distant future.”
Russian President with US President Donald Trump during the G20 meeting in Japan, 28 June 2019. Photo: White HousePresident Trump said their conversation was “highly productive”.
“We had a very good talk,” he said.
“People didn't really know what President Putin's thoughts were but I think I can say with great confidence, he wants to see it ended also - that's good.
“We're going to work toward getting it ended.”
The US President also contacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy said it was a “long conversation”.
Graffiti on the wall of a building destroyed by the Russian army, in Kyiv. 14th Nov, 2022. Credit: SOPA Images Limited/Alamy Live News“I'm grateful to President Trump for his sincere interest in our common opportunities, in how we can bring real peace together,” he said.
“It was a long conversation and President Trump informed me of what Putin had told him.
“We believe that America's strength is enough to push Russia and Putin to peace together with us.”
UK and European allies have reiterated their support for Ukraine - and demand they are part of negotiations.
President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy 25/09/2019 (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
