U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he does not intend to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin until he sees a real prospect for achieving a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
“We need to know we’re going to make a deal. I’m not going to waste my time,” Trump emphasized, speaking to reporters in Doha, according to Reuters.
Read: Trump’s Asia tour: Meeting with Qatar’s emir and prime minister – Awaiting new deals
Russia-U.S.-Ukraine diplomatic movements
Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy for investments and economic cooperation, said that the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are closer than ever to a diplomatic solution to end the war that has lasted over three years.
“I believe Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine are actually quite close to a solution. It’s a big move from President Zelensky to accept freezing the front lines,” he told CNN.
He added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shown willingness to compromise, though it remains difficult for Vladimir Putin to accept such a proposal.
Zelensky: “Freezing front lines is good compromise”
According to Deutsche Welle, Zelensky, speaking from Oslo, has accepted in principle the American proposal to freeze current front lines, calling the proposal a “good compromise.”
However, such a development would mean that Russia would retain control of 78% of Donbas. Zelensky emphasized this is not the final goal, but a “negotiating basis.”
“Gaza stabilization force coming soon”
During the same interview, Trump also addressed Gaza, announcing that an international stabilization force will soon be deployed to the region.
The statement came after his meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, during a refueling stop in Doha.
“This is expected to be a lasting peace,” Trump noted, adding that Qatar is willing to participate with peacekeeping forces if needed.
The American president praised Qatar’s role as a key ally and stabilizing factor in the region, emphasizing that Middle East peace efforts are proceeding with “speed and determination.”
