Trump claims Putin is destroying Russia by not ending war

On the first day of his second term as US president, Donald Trump has said that the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to conclude a deal and noted that Russia is facing major problems that should encourage Russian leader Vladimir Putin to negotiate.

Source: Trump on the evening of his inauguration day, upon arriving at the White House, quoted by Voice of America and AFP, as reported by European Pravda 

Details: Trump was answering journalists' questions about the Russian war in Ukraine. The US president said that "Zelenskyy wants to make a deal". He hoped that Putin would also be ready for a deal because "he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal".

Quote: "I think Russia’s going to be in big trouble. You take a look at the economy, you take a look at inflation in Russia... I would hope that he wants to make a deal."

Quote from Trump, as quoted by AFP: "He can't be thrilled, he’s not doing so well. I mean, he's grinding it out, but most people thought that war (Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - ed.) would have been over in about one week, and now you’re into three years, right?"

Details: Commenting on sanctions against Russia, Trump said he favoured tariffs over sanctions.

He also said that he plans to meet with Putin, but did not disclose details about the possible timing of such a meeting, noting that "it could be very soon."

Trump repeated that he is trying to bring an end to Russia's war in Ukraine "as soon as possible" and reiterated his claim that the war "should never have started".

He also said that the US provides more assistance to Ukraine than other NATO members. "NATO has to pay more money. NATO has to pay 5%," Trump said while repeating his demand that NATO should increase defence spending. No NATO country, including the United States, currently spends that much on defence.

Background:

• Trump promised to be a peacemaker and unifier in his inaugural speech.
• On 20 January, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Trump's "peace through strength" policy makes it possible to strengthen American leadership and "achieve a long-term and just peace".
• Vladimir Putin, congratulating Trump on taking office, said he was ready for a dialogue on the war he had waged against Ukraine.

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