Putin Is Destroying Russia by Avoiding Ukraine Deal: Trump

"He should make a deal. I think he's destroying Russia by not making a deal," Trump told reporters upon returning to the Oval Office. "Russia is heading into big trouble."

This statement marks an unusually direct and critical stance toward Putin, whom Trump has previously praised. Trump's comments reflect growing frustration over the prolonged conflict, which has now entered its third year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Trump further emphasized the economic toll on Russia, citing rising inflation and the broader financial strain caused by the war. "He's grinding it out, but most people thought that war would have been over in about a week, and now you're into three years," Trump said.

The former president also suggested that the Ukrainian government, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, is open to peace talks. "Zelensky wants to make a deal," Trump said, despite having previously been critical of Ukraine’s leadership. "He's told me that directly."

Trump's remarks also hinted at his intention to engage with Putin in future discussions, noting that he would "hope" the Russian leader is ready for negotiations. "I got along with him great," Trump added. "I would hope he wants to make a deal."

During his campaign, Trump pledged to quickly end the war by using US aid as leverage to push Ukraine into concessions, reflecting his broader foreign policy approach of promoting negotiations and diplomacy.