Trump: "Putin Wants an End to the War, Not a Ceasefire"... Zelensky to Visit US on the 18th

U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want a ceasefire, but prefers an agreement to end the war."

On the 16th, Barak Ravid, a reporter for Axios, reported on his X (formerly Twitter) that President Trump made these remarks during calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) leaders. According to the report, President Trump said, "I think a quick peace deal is better than a ceasefire."

On the same day, President Trump said on his Truth Social, "Everyone agreed that the best way to end the war is a full peace agreement rather than a ceasefire," adding, "Ceasefires often do not hold, but a peace agreement can fundamentally end the war."

President Trump also mentioned, "President Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit the White House in Washington, D.C., on the afternoon of the 18th," and "If the talks go well, a meeting with President Putin will also be coordinated." He emphasized, "If this process succeeds, it could save millions of lives."