Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Dec 4: US President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin is signalling a desire to bring the war in Ukraine to a close, pointing to what he described as a “very good meeting” between Putin and Trump allies Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Moscow. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had been briefed by both men after their discussions with the Russian leader, claiming their takeaway was that Putin “would like to see the war ended” and resume a more “normal” relationship with the US rather than continue suffering steep military losses.

Trump reiterated his view that the conflict would never have begun if he had been in office, insisting Ukraine would have retained full control of its territory. He portrayed the human toll as devastating, citing tens of thousands of soldiers killed in a single month as the reason he is attempting to engage on the issue.

He also asserted that the US was not directly funding Ukraine’s military efforts, saying American support was now being channelled through NATO and no longer disadvantaging Washington as it had under the previous administration. When asked about Kremlin remarks dismissing the possibility of compromise, Trump said he was unsure of Moscow’s intentions.

The behind-the-scenes contacts between Trump’s circle and Russian officials have drawn international scrutiny, especially with the frontlines largely stalemated and global diplomatic manoeuvring underway. Meanwhile, President Putin is set to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday for a summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.