Trump says Putin still demands Ukraine's exit from Donbas – Bloomberg
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump emphasized that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin still demands Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas, according to Bloomberg.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Trump told European allies during a phone call that, while Ukraine should decide for itself what to do with its territory, Putin’s position has not changed – the Russian dictator still wants Ukraine to leave Donbas.
Trump's conversation with Zelenskyy and European allies
Earlier today, August 16, while traveling from Alaska to Washington, Trump spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO leaders. He shared the outcome of his meeting with Putin.
According to Zelenskyy, he told Trump that sanctions should be strengthened if a trilateral meeting does not take place or if Russia avoids a genuine end to the war.
It was also reported that during the call, Trump invited Zelenskyy to the US. The Ukrainian president is scheduled to travel to Washington on Monday, August 18, to discuss the details of ending the war.
Trump also promised to arrange a meeting with Putin if the talks with Zelenskyy on August 18 are successful. According to Trump, such a meeting could "save millions of lives."
