US, Jan 31 : President Donald Trump on Friday said negotiations to end the Russia–Ukraine war were nearing a breakthrough, even as he acknowledged that hostility between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to complicate diplomatic efforts.
Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump remarked that personal animosity between the two leaders has been a major obstacle but expressed optimism about the direction of talks. He said there was a “good chance” of reaching an agreement despite the challenges.
Trump also revealed that he recently spoke with Putin and sought a temporary pause in Russian strikes on Kyiv and other urban areas due to severe winter conditions gripping the region. According to the US President, Putin agreed to refrain from attacks for a short period, a move Trump described as constructive.
Highlighting the impact of extreme weather, Trump said the unusually harsh cold posed additional humanitarian concerns, influencing his appeal for restraint during the conversation with the Russian leader.
His remarks come amid continued violence on the ground. Ukrainian authorities reported fatalities in a Russian drone strike in the Zaporizhzhia region, while Zelenskyy warned of the possibility of further large-scale attacks.
The developments coincide with anticipated US brokered discussions expected over the weekend. Meanwhile, Russia has extended an invitation to Zelenskyy to visit Moscow for direct negotiations, Kremlin officials said, indicating a willingness to host peace talks and guarantee the Ukrainian leader’s security.
The offer follows recent trilateral discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, with Moscow being considered as a potential venue for future dialogue aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long conflict.