Trump: Both Putin and Zelensky Want to End the War but Don't Know How

US President Donald Trump stated on October 13, 2026 that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky both want to end the war in Ukraine, but that neither side knows how to achieve it. Trump shared these views during a press exchange.

Trump's Words

When journalists asked why he was so confident that Putin wanted peace more than Zelensky, Trump replied: "Just based on negotiations. My whole life has been about making deals. I think Putin wants... Probably, I think they both want to end the war." He did not specify what kind of deal he envisioned or what terms both sides might accept.

Context

Trump's remarks come after a turbulent week of US-Russia-Ukraine diplomacy that included Washington's announcement of a diesel import deal with Russia and talk of an "energy ceasefire." Ukraine criticized both moves, and Kyiv said the ceasefire idea was never discussed with them. European allies have voiced concern over the direction of US policy on the conflict, fearing it could undermine Ukraine's position at any future negotiations.