Donald Trump has been president for three days, meaning his promise to end the war in Ukraine is now two days overdue.
The new US President vowed repeatedly throughout his campaign that he was the only person able to put an end to the conflict which has cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides.
Whilst few took the president literally in his declaration of being able to end hostilities, it is not out of the realm of possibility and his supporters will point to his influence in the recent ceasefire in Gaza as proof of his abilities.
Yesterday, Trump warned Vladimir Putin that “he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal” as he prepares for talks which could potentially force both sides to a reluctant peace agreement.
Speaking to reporters upon his return to the Oval Office, Trump said: “He [Putin]should make a deal. I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal.
“I think Russia’s going to be in big trouble,” the Republican president added.
Do you think that Trump can end the war between the two countries? You can take our poll here or below.
Earlier this month, Trump claimed that he would be meeting with the Russian president “very soon” after his inauguration and it is believed that the pair have spoken since his November election win over Kamala Harris.
The 47th president of the United States believes that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky “wants to make a deal” according to the Moscow Times.
How a deal would look remains to be seen. Ukraine has seized Russian territory in the Kursk region in what many analysts see as an attempt to hold some power at any future negotiating table.
Russia meanwhile continues to make significant gains in the Donetsk region, slowly chipping away at Ukrainian defences and gaining control of more and more land.
Putin meanwhile has yet to talk to Trump, but congratulated him on taking office in televised remarks during a video call with officials whilst welcoming his intention to open a dialogue.
Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said the Kremlin is waiting for “concrete proposals that could form the basis for contacts,” but didn’t directly comment on Trump’s statement.
“We are open and ready for serious dialogue with the new U.S. administration on the Ukrainian conflict, and if relevant signals come from Washington, we would pick them up and stand ready to conduct talks,” he said, adding that the Kremlin has yet to receive any such signals yet.
