Trump refrains from directly accusing Putin of war against Ukraine
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
President of the US Donald Trump did not dare to directly accuse Russian President Vladimir Putin of launching a full-scale war against Ukraine, according to an interview with Donald Trump during a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India.
What the US politician said
During a conversation with journalists, the politician was asked whether he believes that the Russian leader bears the greatest responsibility for the war against Ukraine.
However, he chose to avoid making direct accusations.
"Well, I don't want to comment on that because I'm trying to get it settled and that doesn't make it easy," he explained.
The US president added that his main priority remains a quick end to the hostilities and finding a diplomatic solution for both sides.
Difficulties in the peace process
Trump also confirmed that he held a series of diplomatic contacts with the leadership of Russia and Ukraine.
According to him, the dialogue was constructive, but reality turned out to be somewhat different than expected.
"I ended eight wars and, to be honest with you, I thought this would have been one of the easier ones, but they're (the presidents - ed.) not liking each other too much, and it makes it much more difficult. But we're working. I had two good conversations with President Zelenskyy and with President Putin," Trump emphasized.
Discussion of the war in Ukraine at the G7 summit
During the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently in a significantly weaker position in the war against Ukraine than before.
According to European media, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saw this as an opening of a "window of opportunity" for a diplomatic settlement.
At the same time, the US leader proposed a geopolitical barter to European partners. Trump said he was ready to increase pressure on the Kremlin, but set a condition: G7 leaders must help ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz and support a new agreement on Iran.
Diplomats at the sidelines of the summit interpreted this initiative as a signal of the White House’s readiness for more active steps toward achieving peace.
Amid these behind-the-scenes negotiations, a meeting took place between Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump.
The Ukrainian president and the German chancellor jointly addressed the US leader and clearly emphasized that they are ready for dialogue, but peace talks with Russia must begin only from the "correct position," based on international law and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
