US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days, alongside meetings with several European leaders visiting the United States for what he described as “very interesting discussions” on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Over the next couple of days, we’re going to get it done—the Russia-Ukraine situation. Have confidence, we will get it done,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, after returning from the US Open finals.
He confirmed European leaders would arrive Monday or Tuesday for individual meetings, stressing that peace must be achieved despite his dissatisfaction with Moscow’s escalating strikes.
Asked about Russia’s latest major assault on Ukraine, Trump reiterated he had been “tougher on Russia than anyone” but lamented the war as a “horrible waste of humanity.”
The comments came after overnight Russian missile and drone strikes killed at least three people, including a child, and damaged multiple Ukrainian cities. Trump also signaled readiness to impose additional sanctions on Russia, saying, “Yes, I am,” when asked about moving to a second phase of punitive measures.
The President admitted Friday that stopping the war had been “probably the most difficult” challenge of his administration, acknowledging it as an unfulfilled campaign promise.
