Trump: Putin wants a deal more than Zelenskyy does
US President Donald Trump has said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is more interested in reaching a deal to end the war than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Source: Trump's remarks to reporters, broadcast by the White House
Details: During an exchange with reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump was asked about his earlier announcement of a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure.
When journalists pointed out that Russia had attacked Ukraine again after the ceasefire announcement, Trump claimed that there had been violations on both sides.
Trump also commented on the prospects of reaching a deal to end the war.
Quote: "I think they both support it. I think they wanna make a deal, but they don't know how. But we're gonna get them to make a deal."
Details: Trump later added that Putin is more interested in reaching a deal than Zelenskyy.
Quote: "I think, actually, Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelenskyy."
Details: Trump also said that the US had to ensure that Zelenskyy wanted to reach an agreement as well.
Quote: "[Putin] wants to make a deal, and we have to get Zelenskyy to want to make a deal."
Background:
- On 9 October, Trump said he had spoken to Putin and reached an agreement with him on supplying Russian diesel fuel to the US and global markets.
- The agreement between Trump and Putin has sparked outrage in Ukraine and in European capitals.
- Zelenskyy said Trump's decision to unilaterally lift sanctions on Russia and allow it to export diesel fuel was unfair and dishonest.
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