Trump Signals Possible Meeting with Putin, Criticizes Ukraine and Biden’s War Strategy

U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month, dismissing Ukraine’s concerns over being excluded from recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago club, Trump responded “probably” when asked about a meeting with Putin before month’s end.

During earlier discussions in Riyadh, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no date had been set for a Trump-Putin summit regarding Ukraine. However, Trump criticized Ukraine for failing to resolve the conflict, suggesting Kyiv could have negotiated a deal with Russia three years ago.

"Today I heard, 'Oh, we weren't invited.' Well, you've been there for three years, you should have ended it… you should have never started it. You could have made a deal," Trump said.

His remarks drew criticism, with Sean Savett, a former White House National Security Council spokesperson, accusing Trump of echoing Russian propaganda. "Putin started the war by invading Ukraine unprovoked and committing war crimes," Savett posted on social media.

Trump also attacked President Joe Biden’s Ukraine policy, stating he would have handled the conflict differently. "I think I have the power to end this war," he claimed. He further called for Ukraine to hold elections, clarifying, "That's not a Russia thing; it's coming from me and other countries."

Addressing European leaders' discussions on sending peacekeeping troops, Trump said he would not oppose the move, stating, "Having troops over there would be fine, I wouldn't object to it at all."

Trump’s stance on Ukraine and potential negotiations with Putin signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy, raising concerns over his approach if re-elected.