The U.S. president refused to comment on whether he had already spoken with the Russian leader on the matter and when their last conversation had been. Trump also declined to comment on the role of China in facilitating a dialogue with Putin.
On the campaign trail before he won the U.S. election in November, Trump repeatedly boasted about how fast he could end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. president claimed earlier this month that a meeting with Putin was being set up, though the Kremlin said no substantial preparations are under way.
Putin on Jan. 24 said he is open to meet with Trump to “talk calmly” about issues including the war on Ukraine. That was days after Trump threatened to hit Russia with massive tariffs and sanctions if it does not make a deal to end the conflict.
Meanwhile, Trump froze nearly all U.S. foreign aid funding on Jan. 24, including to Ukraine, leaving humanitarian organizations scrambling to find cash for programs ranging from demining and veteran rehabilitation to maintaining hospitals and restoring bombed power plants.
Current military transfers are exempt, having been secured under the Biden administration. However, future supplies are uncertain, with Trump vowing to end the conflict swiftly and criticizing his predecessor for giving Kyiv nearly €100 billion in money and materiel.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military is increasingly struggling. A shortage of infantry, artillery, and air defense means units are being forced to give ground, as Russian troops bulldoze their way from village to village in the eastern Donbas region.
