U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Monday about a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, saying both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky want a deal to end the war that began in February 2022. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump described the conflict as largely a drone war and noted that both leaders were difficult negotiators, comparing the fighting to children brawling in a park.
The diplomatic push followed a near-90-minute phone call between Trump and Putin on U.S. Independence Day, during which Trump offered to mediate. Moscow has signaled it seeks a settlement that preserves its control over the Donbas, while claims that Russian forces captured the city of Kostiantynivka remain disputed by Kyiv. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly continuing negotiations.
Zelensky, who joined Trump in addressing journalists in Ankara, said there were realistic prospects for an end to the war. Both leaders had earlier congratulated Washington on its 250th independence anniversary.