Trump says Putin wants a deal to end Ukraine war

U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking a negotiated settlement to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a press briefing in Washington, Trump said he had received “credible information” indicating that Moscow is prepared to discuss terms that could bring the conflict to a close, though he did not disclose the source of the intelligence or the specific conditions being considered.

The statement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by European leaders and the United Nations to broker a cease‑fire, while fighting continues in eastern Ukraine and civilian casualties rise. Analysts note that previous overtures from Russia have been met with skepticism from Kyiv and its Western allies, who have demanded a full withdrawal of Russian forces as a precondition for any talks. The White House has not confirmed whether the president’s remarks reflect an official U.S. policy shift, but it reiterated its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the need for any agreement to respect international law.

If verified, Putin’s willingness to negotiate could alter the strategic calculations of both sides and open a new diplomatic channel. The administration indicated that it will monitor developments closely and coordinate with allies to assess the viability of a peace proposal, while urging all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.