() Signaling there would be land swaps in order to achieve a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump called his upcoming meeting with Russia a “feel-out” meeting, but said Ukraine’s president was not invited.
Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism about his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. He said he would tell Putin to end the war and that land swapping will be done.
“I thought it was very respectful that the president of Russia is coming to our country,” Trump said.
Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will not be present during the talks.
“I disagree with what he’s done. This is a war that never should have happened,” Trump said of Zelenskyy.
That statement appeared to echo earlier sentiments from the president, in which he blamed Ukraine for the war, which began when Russia invaded the country.
Trump said he would “try” to get some land back from Ukraine. He also blamed President Joe Biden for the conflict, which he called violent and terrible. He repeated his claim that, had he been president, the war would not have happened.
“You have lines that are very uneven,” Trump said. “We’re going to change the lines, the battle lines.”
The issue of land has been a major sticking point in negotiations, with Zelenskyy remaining firm that his country would not cede land to Russia.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described potential land swaps as good for Ukraine, then bad, then perhaps a bit of both. He also said he was upset that Zelenskyy would need to seek constitutional approval to agree to any land swaps.
Trump said, depending on the conversation, he may propose a deal to Zelenskyy and European leaders or he may walk away and say “good luck.”
He also said he would know within the first two minutes of the meeting if a deal could be made, touting himself as a dealmaker.
During the campaign, Trump promised to end the war in Ukraine on Day 1, at times suggesting he could get a deal done even before he took office.
Nearly six months into his second term, Trump has yet to achieve that goal.
