Trump Says Ukraine War Settlement Is Within Reach as Both Sides Seek Deal
US President Donald Trump stated during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that both Russia and Ukraine want a settlement to end the Ukraine war, making a deal within reach, while expressing support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries as an escalation that could help lead to peace.
Trump's Assessment of Peace Prospects
President Donald Trump said both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy want to reach a settlement to end the war in Ukraine, meaning that a deal is within reach. [2] Trump made these remarks during a joint news conference, noting that the shared desire for a settlement on both sides brings the possibility of resolution closer. [4] The president emphasized that the positions of the two leaders align in seeking an end to the conflict through negotiation. [5] These comments underscore Trump's view that the conditions for progress exist because the primary parties involved have expressed interest in settling the Ukraine war. [2]
Support for Ukrainian Strikes on Refineries
US President Donald Trump has said that Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries represent an escalation that could help bring the war to an end. [3] At the start of the discussion, Trump gave the floor to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio when the topic of Ukraine's long-range strikes arose. Rubio said the strikes had significantly changed the dynamics of the war. "I think that's one of the dynamics that's changed in this war over the last few months, and that is that the Russians are finding it more difficult to defend their own airspace. And what we hope that means is that it's going to create the space now to negotiate the end of this war," he said. [3] "It's an escalation, but it's also an escalation that can help lead to an end [of the war – ed.]," Trump added. [3] NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Ukraine's long-range strikes on Russian oil refining facilities and noted that the US president had acknowledged their impact. [3]
President Donald Trump speaks at a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. — Source: newsmax
Plans for US Licensing of Patriot Systems
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States will give a license to Ukraine for Patriot missiles, as he said both Russia and Ukraine want to see the war settled. [4] Earlier, Trump told Zelenskyy that the United States will give Ukraine the licence to produce Patriot systems. [1] This announcement came alongside other statements during the joint press conference, linking the licensing decision to broader efforts around the Ukraine war. [4] The move provides Ukraine with the ability to manufacture these systems domestically under US approval.
Trump's Views on Visiting Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has said he would not mind visiting Ukraine, but made it clear he does not see such a possibility during the active phase of the war. [1] Trump was asked whether he would like to pay a visit to Ukraine. "I would, yes. I'd rather have the war be over," he said, joking that his security service "would be thrilled". [1] "It would be nice to get there before any more damage is done, to be honest. It's such a beautiful city, right? And yeah, I would go to Ukraine at the right time," Trump added. [1] These remarks highlight his preference for timing any potential visit after active hostilities conclude.
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a joint press conference discussing Ukraine war settlement. — Source: ukrainskapravda
Context from the NATO Summit Meeting
Trump made the remarks on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara during a joint press conference with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. [1] Estonia has also called on European allies to show greater "strategic patience" and increase pressure on Russia as Ukraine continues to carry out increasingly impactful strikes on Russian territory. [3] The setting allowed for discussion of multiple aspects of the Ukraine war, including strikes and licensing decisions. [1]
Additional Remarks on Strike Dynamics
Trump supported strikes on Russian oil refineries, explaining that this is "an escalation that can help lead to an end" of the war. [1] Rubio's comments reinforced how the strikes create space for negotiations by altering Russian defensive capabilities. [3] These exchanges occurred as part of the broader dialogue at the NATO summit sidelines. [1]
What to watch next: Trump has indicated he would go to Ukraine at the right time after the war ends, while the licensing of Patriot production and ongoing strikes on refineries continue to shape negotiation space as noted by Rubio.
