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U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes Russia's war against Ukraine could end before his current presidential term expires in January 2029.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he had expected the war to end even before taking office because he has a good relationship with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I think so. I thought it would end before I started. That would have been the easiest because I get along with both leaders," Trump said.
Asked what he tells Putin, Trump said he repeatedly urges the Russian leader to end the war.
"I keep telling him the same thing: Vladimir, it's time to stop. It's time to end this war," he said.
Trump also said he believes Putin is willing to reach an agreement.
"I think he's ready to make a deal," Trump said, adding that it could happen "soon."
His remarks come as U.S. lawmakers continue working on a new sanctions package against Russia, which Trump recently said has a "very good chance" of being approved. The updated bill would require tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, while allowing exemptions for countries reducing their imports.
