President Donald Trump revealed on January 23, 2025, that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is willing to negotiate a deal to end the war with Russia, describing the ongoing conflict as “ridiculous.” Trump made these remarks while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after signing several executive orders. When asked about Zelenskyy’s position on negotiations, Trump confirmed that the Ukrainian leader is eager to stop the fighting, noting the immense losses both Ukraine and Russia have suffered during the conflict.
Trump emphasized the staggering toll the war has taken, stating that Russia has lost a significant number of soldiers—reportedly 800,000—which he described as “a lot.” He added that both sides have suffered deeply, with many lives lost in what has become one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent history. Trump further suggested that the war, which he likened to a battlefield not seen since World War II, needed to come to an end for the sake of the soldiers involved.
When questioned about whether sanctions on Russia would force Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table, Trump expressed uncertainty but reiterated that it was time for Putin to negotiate. He also pointed to China’s influence over Russia, given the strong economic ties between the two nations, and suggested that Beijing could play a role in encouraging Russia to pursue peace.
In his comments, Trump also noted that Putin has expressed a desire to meet with him, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough. The former president suggested that negotiations with Russia might be possible, especially given that Putin has previously indicated a readiness to compromise on the Ukraine issue. Trump’s push for dialogue contrasts with the ongoing violence on the ground, with both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers continuing to face heavy casualties.
As the war persists, Trump has remained vocal about his stance on world conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, vowing to seek an end to the violence if he were to return to office. While the prospects for peace remain uncertain, Trump’s comments about Zelenskyy’s readiness for negotiations and his willingness to meet with Putin have renewed hopes for a potential resolution to the ongoing crisis.
