Cliff Notes – Trump disappointed in Russian strikes on Ukraine

Donald Trump in Russian strikes on Ukraine and reiterated the need for a peace deal, urging Vladimir Putin to halt military actions.
Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican, Trump suggested Zelenskyy is more conciliatory and might be open to compromise regarding Crimea.
Marco Rubio indicated that a peace deal to resolve the conflict may be closer than in recent years, although complexities remain.

Trump disappointed in Russian strikes on Ukraine

Donald Trump has said he’s “very disappointed” with Russia as he continues to push for a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

On Saturday, the US president met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican for their first face-to-face meeting since their explosive White House summit.

The Ukrainian president said the meeting ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral could end up being “historic.” Hours later, Trump questioned Vladimir Putin’s appetite for peace.

Speaking on Sunday, Trump again said the meeting went well, and that the Ukrainian leader was “calmer”.

“I think he understands the picture, I think he wants to make a deal,” he said.

‘I want him to stop shooting’

Speaking on the Russian president, Trump expressed his disappointment.

“I want him to stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal,” Trump said, adding he was “very disappointed that they did the bombing of those places (including Kyiv, where nine people were killed in a Russian airstrike on Friday) after discussions”.

However, Trump said he thinks Zelenskyy is ready to give up Crimea, which the Ukrainian leader has repeatedly said he would refuse to do.