But hours later, US President Donald Trump laid bare – in a trademark casual, rambling fashion – his position over the war in Ukraine.
Talking to reporters in the White House, he said of Russian President Vladimir Putin: “He should make a deal.
Trump was unprecedentedly stark, focusing on the economic damage done to Russia by the war.
You take a look at their inflation in Russia,” he added, referring to price rises edging towards 10%.
The comments constitute some of the most critical Trump has made of the Kremlin head.
The president’s assertion he wants to meet Putin suggests Trump thinks his interpersonal “art of the deal” may forge a diplomatic path.
Trump said the United States was funding Ukraine’s assistance to the tune of $200 billion more than Europe. »