Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump over a potential resolution to the Ukraine war had not yet reached a detailed stage, despite growing speculation about a possible diplomatic breakthrough. His remarks, broadcast on Russian state television, followed reports that U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia last week for initial negotiations-without the participation of Ukraine or European allies.
"We certainly touched on issues related to the Ukrainian crisis; however, it was not discussed in essence," Putin stated. "We only agreed that we would approach it." His comments came as Trump, speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, expressed optimism that the war in Ukraine was nearing an endgame, indicating that he had personally asked Putin if he would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine. "Yeah, he will accept it," Trump said. "I have asked him that question. Look, if we do this deal, he's not looking for World War."
For the first time, Putin signaled a willingness to allow European nations to participate in negotiations, reversing Moscow's previous stance that such involvement was a "red line." "Not only the Europeans but also other countries have the right," Putin said.
The discussion over Ukraine's future coincides with a shift in U.S. foreign policy. At the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, the U.S. broke from its European allies by voting against a resolution that condemned Russia's invasion and demanded an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops. Instead, the U.S. abstained from voting on its own proposed resolution after European nations, led by France, amended the text to explicitly name Russia as the aggressor.
The diplomatic moves reflect growing tensions between Washington and its European partners, with Trump seeking to engage directly with Moscow while sidelining NATO allies. European officials expressed frustration at being excluded from last week's preliminary talks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that global security was at stake in any peace settlement, stating, "The autocrats around the world are watching very carefully whether there's any impunity if you violate international borders or invade your neighbor."
During discussions in Saudi Arabia, Russian and American officials explored ways to strengthen economic ties. Putin described potential benefits of U.S. companies entering the Russian market, particularly in rare earth minerals, aluminum, and energy. Trump's administration has also floated the idea of securing access to Ukraine's mineral resources as part of a peace deal, a proposal that has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials.
Putin also expressed openness to Trump's suggestion of cutting military expenditures, an idea that has raised concerns in Washington and among European allies. "I think it's a good idea. The U.S. would cut by 50 percent, and we would cut by 50 percent, and then China would join if it wanted," Putin said.
Trump's diplomatic maneuvers come at a critical juncture for Ukraine, which marked the third anniversary of Russia's invasion amid mounting battlefield losses and shortages of military aid. Kyiv has faced growing uncertainty over U.S. support as Trump has questioned whether Ukraine should continue receiving American assistance.
Meanwhile, Russia's foreign ministry confirmed that preparations were underway for a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin, raising further concerns among European leaders about being left out of negotiations. At a virtual Group of Seven (G7) meeting on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly addressed Trump, saying, "President Trump, we would really like to hear from you because all our people, all our families, are very worried. Will there be support from America? Will America be the leader of the free world?"
In a post on social media after the G7 meeting, Trump reiterated his commitment to ending the war and strengthening U.S.-Russia economic ties. "I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the war, and also major economic development transactions which will take place between the United States and Russia," he stated. "Talks are proceeding very well!"
