The New York Post reports that former President Trump has engaged in phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to negotiate an end to the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Speaking during an interview aboard Air Force One on 8 February, Trump declined to specify the frequency of these communications, telling The Post: “I’d better not say.”
Trump claimed Putin shows concern about battlefield casualties, saying he believes that Putin “does care” about the battlefield casualties and stating:
“He wants to see people stop dying.”
The US President repeated the unrealistic number of casualties, saying:
“All those dead people. Young, young, beautiful people. They’re like your kids, two million of them – and for no reason.”
The New York Post says US Vice President JD Vance is set to meet with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference next week. Earlier, Trump said he might meet with the Ukrainian leader instead.
In the interview, Trump has stated that he wants to negotiate a $500 million deal with Zelenskyy for access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals and gas, offering security guarantees as part of a potential peace settlement with Russia.
Related:
- Reuters: Ukraine prioritizes security guarantees ahead of potential Trump-Putin meeting
- Putin strengthens war position as West misreads Kremlin’s true intentions, say experts
- Reuters: Ukraine offers mineral partnership to US, not just “giving away” deposits
- Zelenskyy urges US allies to shield Ukraine’s trillion-dollar titanium, uranium resources
- Zelenskyy confirms that talks with Trump’s team are underway
- Trump says he may meet Zelenskyy next week
- Kellogg: Trump ready to double down on Russian sanctions
- Trump administration disbands Russian assets seizure taskforce