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Trump’s remarks came against the backdrop of significant diplomatic activity. At the White House, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Trump and European Union leaders to discuss a framework for ending hostilities. According to officials, the meeting produced what participants described as the “most substantive progress toward peace since the start of the conflict.”
Trump revealed he had also spoken directly with Putin, signaling the potential for direct U.S.-Russia talks to complement ongoing European negotiations. While details remain scarce, Trump suggested both sides were “closer than people think” to at least discussing a cease-fire.
European leaders, often skeptical of Trump’s unorthodox diplomatic style, acknowledged the momentum. French President Emmanuel Macron described the talks as “the most movement we have seen in years,” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called them “a glimmer of hope.”