Donald Trump told reporters on board the presidential plane heading to Alaska that during the meeting with Putin, the issue of territorial exchange will be discussed, but specific decisions on this matter will be made by Ukraine. «[The issue of territorial exchange] will be discussed, but I must allow Ukraine to make this decision. And I think they will make the right decision. But I am not here to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. I am here to bring everyone to the negotiating table. If we make progress, I will discuss it», — said Trump.
The US President stated that he expects progress in negotiations on Ukraine and once again warned the Kremlin: if there is no agreement, Russia will face «very serious economic consequences».
According to him, the US will provide certain security guarantees to Ukraine together with European countries, but this will not be done under the NATO umbrella.
Trump also stated that he is ready to discuss business issues between the US and Russia with Putin, but only after the conflict ends. «I like that they want to do business, but they will not do business until we end the war», — he said.
When asked about Russia's ongoing strikes on Ukraine, the American president suggested that Putin is trying to strengthen his position before negotiations. «He is trying to set the stage. In his understanding, this will help them make a better deal. In reality, it harms them. But, in his opinion, it will help them make a more favorable deal if they can continue the killings. Maybe it's just his genes. But he thinks it gives him strength in negotiations. I think it harms him, but I will talk to him about it later», — said Trump.
Photo: Reuters