'Big progress on Russia': Trump hints at deal, keeps details secret
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump said there has been "big progress" in relations with Russia.
"Big progress on Russia. Stay tuned!" Trump wrote.
He did not clarify whether he meant progress on Ukraine, cooperation with Moscow, or something else.
On the night of August 15–16, Trump met with Kremlin Chief Vladimir Putin in Alaska. One of the main topics of discussion was the war in Ukraine.
After several hours of talks, both leaders held a press conference. They made a series of statements. There was no session for questions from journalists.
Later, Trump gave an interview to Fox News. He also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders and posted several updates on social media.
In the interview, he advised Zelenskyy to make a deal with Russia. He suggested this could result from a trilateral meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, the US, and Russia. He emphasized that the next steps depend on the Ukrainian President.
Trump then wrote that “everyone agreed” the best way to end the war is a peace deal, not a ceasefire. Ukraine and European leaders had insisted on halting hostilities first before discussing other issues.
Media reports also outline more of Putin's demands. He reportedly wants Ukraine to fully withdraw its troops from Donetsk and Luhansk. In exchange, Russia promises to stop fighting in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Russia is also reportedly ready to return areas of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
Other demands include lifting sanctions, preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, recognizing the Russian language, and acknowledging the Russian Orthodox Church.
President Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Washington tomorrow to discuss details of ending the war.
