Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia has the upper hand in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, suggesting that Moscow holds "all the cards" in the ongoing conflict. His remarks come amid growing tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, following the suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing from Washington.
Speaking at the White House, Trump expressed his determination to bring the war to an end but acknowledged difficulties in dealing with Ukrainian leadership. He hinted that negotiations with Russia might be more straightforward, as President Vladimir Putin appears eager to reach a resolution.
"I think both parties want to settle. I think we are going to get it settled," Trump stated, adding that his priority was to end the fighting before considering security guarantees for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been working together to strengthen European support for Kyiv. The two leaders spoke on Friday to coordinate their efforts in backing Ukraine and advancing potential peace talks.
Trump also took to social media to warn both Russia and Ukraine to enter negotiations "before it is too late," while revealing he is considering additional sanctions on Moscow as a means of pressuring them into talks.
Relations between Washington and Kyiv have grown increasingly strained in recent weeks. A tense Oval Office meeting last week between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly ended with the U.S. president and Vice President JD Vance accusing Zelenskyy of being "disrespectful." Since then, the U.S. administration has halted military assistance to Ukraine and suspended intelligence cooperation.
Next week, officials from the U.S. and Ukraine are set to meet in Saudi Arabia for discussions on a possible peace agreement with Russia.
