Trump Says Putin and Zelensky Ready for Peace, Sees Ukraine War Nearing Negotiated End

Washington, July 2026: US President Donald Trump expressed renewed optimism about ending the Russia-Ukraine war, saying he believes both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are ready to bring the conflict to a close. Speaking at the White House after unveiling the “Trump Accounts” investment programme, Trump said ongoing diplomatic efforts were making greater progress than many people realised and suggested that negotiations could soon yield results.

The President revealed that he had recently held what he described as a “very good call” with President Putin, adding that the war in Ukraine would be a central topic during this week’s North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Summit. According to Trump, both Moscow and Kyiv are under increasing pressure to seek a peaceful resolution after more than three years of devastating fighting.

Responding to questions about Russia’s continued military operations despite recent diplomatic contacts, Trump said he believed Putin genuinely wanted the conflict to end. “He does feel pressure,” Trump remarked. “He wants to end it, and Ukraine wants to end it. We’re in talks, and we’ll see if we can get it ended.” He maintained that while hostilities continued on the battlefield, meaningful negotiations were taking place behind the scenes.

Trump said he remained far more optimistic than public perception suggested. “I think we’re getting much closer than people realise,” he stated. “President Putin wants it to end. I will tell you that very strongly. And President Zelensky actually wants it to end now.” He expressed confidence that discussions among NATO leaders would help advance diplomatic efforts and create momentum toward a negotiated settlement.

The President said the upcoming NATO Summit would provide another opportunity for allied leaders to address the conflict collectively. “We’re going to be going to NATO, and we’re going to be talking about it,” Trump said. “I think we’re going to get it ended.” Ukraine is expected to remain one of the alliance’s top priorities as member states discuss military assistance, security guarantees and the future of regional stability.

Describing the war as one of the world’s deadliest ongoing conflicts, Trump highlighted what he called alarming casualty figures. “It’s been a terrible situation,” he said, claiming that around 36,000 people had been killed in a single month. He also pointed to the growing role of drone warfare, warning that unmanned systems have dramatically transformed modern combat. “Drone technology… they’re killing machines,” he observed. “You hide behind a tree, and it goes and gets you.”

Trump contrasted the Ukraine conflict with several other international crises, claiming his administration had successfully prevented or ended multiple wars. “I ended eight wars,” he said, while acknowledging that he had initially expected the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be easier to resolve because of his personal relationships with both Putin and Zelensky.

Reiterating his confidence after the recent conversation with the Russian President, Trump said diplomatic engagement remained the best path forward. “I had a very good call,” he said. “I think we’ll get it done.”

Trump’s remarks come ahead of his departure for the NATO Summit, where allied leaders are expected to intensify discussions on the future of the Ukraine conflict. The US President has consistently advocated for a negotiated settlement, urging both Moscow and Kyiv to continue dialogue while expressing hope that sustained diplomacy can finally bring an end to one of Europe’s most destructive wars in decades.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)