US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about a possible resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, identifying the deep-rooted animosity between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a major obstacle to ending the conflict.
In an interview with CBS News, Trump was asked what he considered the biggest hurdle to achieving peace between the two countries.
“It was the hatred between Zelenskyy and Putin. If I had been president, that war would’ve never started. Zero chance. But it did start. So I inherited that war. I believe we’re very close to making a deal,” Trump said.
The US President expressed confidence that his intervention could help bring the prolonged conflict to an end, suggesting that Ukraine might have to undergo territorial changes as part of a possible settlement.
“I think we’re gonna have it done, and I think it’s gonna happen and they’re gonna end up with a little bit different shape Ukraine,” he said.
During the interview, Trump was also asked about the possibility of renewed military action involving Iran following the conclusion of the US midterm electoral cycle. He dismissed the prospect, saying, “I’m not looking to. I don’t think there’s any reason to. I don’t think there’s any reason to.”
Commenting on Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump claimed that the country’s nuclear material remained buried beneath thousands of tonnes of rock. He also maintained that Washington had achieved its primary military objectives.
The remarks come ahead of trilateral discussions scheduled in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, aimed at advancing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The talks are expected to focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and measures to reduce regional tensions.
European partner nations are also expected to participate in the diplomatic engagement, with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner set to lead the American delegation.
However, significant differences remain between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly over territorial boundaries and Ukraine’s future security arrangements, posing challenges to the negotiations.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has expressed concerns over the proposed European security framework, warning that it could create serious complications and vulnerabilities if Ukraine’s key security requirements are not adequately addressed.
(ANI Inputs)
