The elected U.S. President Donald Trump has made a new statement regarding plans to end the war in Ukraine and a potential meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to Reuters.
In response to a question about his strategy for ending the war, Trump told Newsmax: "Well, there’s only one strategy, and it all depends on Putin. I can’t imagine he’s thrilled with how things have turned out because it hasn’t gone well for him either."
When discussing a future meeting with Putin, Trump did not specify any timelines but noted that he intends to do so as soon as possible after taking office.
"I know he wants to meet, and I plan to meet very quickly. I would have done it sooner, but... you need to get into office. For some things, you have to be there," he said.
Trump's Team on the War in Ukraine
Previously, Congressman Michael Waltz, the upcoming U.S. National Security Advisor, stated that preparations for a Trump-Putin meeting are already underway.
"We haven’t determined the exact format for this yet, but we are working on it. However, I expect at least a phone call in the coming days or weeks," he said.
Waltz also stated that Ukraine needs to strengthen its mobilization efforts to stabilize the front lines, specifically by starting the mobilization of 18-year-olds.