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Trump Says Russia, Ukraine ‘Very Close’ to Reaching Peace Deal

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This comes after U.S. particular envoy Steven Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Friday.

Russia and Ukraine are “very shut” to reaching a peace deal that may carry an finish to the struggle in Ukraine, President Donald Trump acknowledged on social media on Friday.

His put up follows U.S. particular envoy Steven Witkoff’s assembly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Friday. Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, described the three-hour assembly as “constructive” and “very helpful,” however didn’t present additional particulars, Russia’s information outlet TASS reported.
“They’re very near a deal, and the 2 sides ought to now meet, at very excessive ranges, to ‘end it off,’” Trump acknowledged in a Reality Social put up after arriving in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral.

Trump stated that “many of the main factors” have been agreed to, although he provided no particulars, whereas calling on each nations to “cease the bloodshed” and finish the struggle altogether.

Ushakov stated the assembly centered on “the potential for resuming direct negotiations between representatives of the Russian Federation and Ukraine.” Witkoff has not but publicly commented on the assembly.

“This dialog allowed Russia and the US to additional carry their positions nearer collectively, not solely on Ukraine but additionally on a lot of different worldwide points,” Ushakov stated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Trump in Rome on Saturday, his spokesman Serhii Nykyforov stated. He didn’t present additional particulars concerning the assembly.

Steven Cheung, White Home communications director, stated “President Trump and President Zelenskyy met privately right now and had a really productive dialogue. Extra particulars concerning the assembly will observe.”

Russian International Minister Sergey Lavrov instructed CBS Information on Thursday that Russia is “prepared to achieve a deal,” however stated there “are nonetheless some particular factors—parts of this deal which must be fine-tuned.”

“The President of the US believes, and I believe rightly so, that we’re shifting in the appropriate route,” Lavrov instructed CBS Information’ “Face the Nation” present, however declined to offer additional particulars.

Zelenskyy acknowledged earlier that the struggle “can’t be resolved with out strain” on Russia to comply with an unconditional cease-fire.

“The shortage of adequate strain on Russia permits them to import such missiles and different weapons—and to make use of them right here, in Europe,” he acknowledged. “We insist that Russia should instantly and unconditionally comply with a full ceasefire.”

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Zelenskyy added that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S. cease-fire proposal 45 days in the past and made “a direct proposal” to Russia to halt strikes on civilian targets, however was rejected by Russia.

The struggle in Ukraine has been ongoing since Putin despatched 1000’s of troops for a full invasion in February 2022. Putin declared an “Easter truce” on April 19, directing his forces to halt all army operations till midnight of April 20. Either side later accused one another of violating the truce.

Zelenskyy stated that he had urged Russia to increase the truce past Easter however was rejected. The Russian army stated on April 21 that it has resumed the “particular army operation” after the truce ended.

The Trump administration has signaled that Ukraine could must make territorial concessions as a part of an settlement with Russia to finish the continuing struggle. In an interview with Time journal, Trump stated that the Crimean Peninsula will stay below Russian management.

“Crimea will stick with Russia,” Trump stated within the interview with Time, revealed on April 25. “Zelensky understands that, and all people understands that it’s been with them for a very long time.”

Trump additionally solid doubt on Ukraine turning into a member of NATO, and stated that Ukraine’s push for NATO entry was a contributing issue within the present struggle.

“I believe what triggered the struggle to begin was after they began speaking about becoming a member of NATO,” he stated. “If that weren’t introduced up, there would have been a significantly better probability that it wouldn’t have began.”

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Zelenskyy has reiterated his opposition to Ukraine formally recognizing Russian management over any of its territories.

Trump instructed reporters on April 18 that the U.S. authorities would abandon efforts to mediate an finish to the struggle if both facet refused to cooperate in reaching a peace deal.

Reuters and Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.

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