Trump Claims Putin 'Very Much Wants' Deal to End Ukraine War

US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is eager to end the war in Ukraine through a negotiated settlement, offering an optimistic characterization of the Kremlin leader's intentions despite ongoing hostilities.

Trump's remarks

Reporters asked Trump what Putin had told him during their October 9 phone call. Trump replied: "He would like a deal to be made. President Putin very much wants a deal to be made." He then pivoted to discussing Russia's oil exports, noting that Moscow was releasing large volumes of oil onto global markets "at a very low price."

Background: October 9 phone call

The phone call between Trump and Putin on October 9 resulted in an agreement on the supply of Russian diesel fuel to American and global markets — a deal that drew sharp condemnation from Ukraine and European allies who viewed it as weakening the sanctions pressure on Moscow.

Ukraine's President Zelensky criticized the arrangement, arguing it rewarded Russian aggression and undermined Western unity. The episode added new friction to US-Ukraine relations at a sensitive moment in the conflict.

Context: ongoing Russian strikes

Trump's upbeat characterization of Putin's intentions came even as Russian forces continued to bombard Ukrainian cities. In the week preceding Trump's remarks, Moscow launched approximately 1,450 guided aerial bombs, 75 missiles, and more than 1,640 attack drones against Ukraine.