US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine could be reached soon, describing it as a big agreement that could extend beyond the two countries and involve the whole of Europe.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump praised First Lady Melania Trump’s humanitarian efforts to facilitate communication between Moscow and Kyiv, saying diplomatic efforts were moving towards a possible settlement.
Trump also confirmed meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, at the White House but declined to disclose details of their discussions. He suggested the proposed agreement could involve the wider European region.
Highlighting the human cost of the conflict, Trump said Russia and Ukraine were losing a combined 25,000 people every month, adding that the war must end.