Trump says U.S. ‘closer’ to agreement with one side in Russia–Ukraine talks, declines to say which

In an interview with NBC News, U.S. President Donald Trump said he hoped for a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine but noted that the United States is currently close to an understanding with only one side in the conflict.

“I do believe we’re closer [to an agreement] with one party, and maybe not as close with the other,” Trump said. “I’d like to not say which one we’re closer to.”

He declined to answer directly when asked how long he would continue U.S. mediation efforts if they fail to produce results in the near future. “There will be a time when I’ll say, ‘Okay, keep going, keep being stupid,’” he said, suggesting that the United States would then walk away from negotiations.

Trump also said that a peace deal might ultimately be out of reach because of the “tremendous hatred” between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In recent days, Trump has become more openly critical of Putin — particularly in light of Russia’s continued missile strikes — and suggested that the Russian leader may not “want to stop the war.” American news outlets have reported that Trump’s tone, previously more critical of Ukraine’s perceived reluctance to compromise, shifted after his meeting with Zelensky at the Vatican during the pope’s funeral.