Trump Says Discussing ‘Major’ Economic Deals With Putin

I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the War

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform

This deal, which is an 'Economic Partnership', will ensure the American people recoup the tens of billions of dollars and military equipment sent to Ukraine, while also helping Ukraine’s economy grow as this brutal and savage war comes to an end

Quote from Trump

Gabrielius Landsbergisformer lithuanian Foreign Minister

From the perspective of frontline countries, it may seem like nobody else will understand these dangers until their parliaments' windows are blown in by a T-72. By that time, I think it will probably be too late to negotiate a joint EU defense budget."

Indeed, the former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said

Vladimir Putinpresident

It was at God’s will that this fate fell upon our shoulders to carry out such a challenging but honorable mission of defending Russia,

Putin told soldiers after a Kremlin ceremony where he awarded them state decorations

We all feel betrayed since Trump started to talk about his ‘peace plans.’ I would not be surprised if he’s Russia’s best agent. We have to hold on…that’s all.”

An intelligence officer told CNN

I am very exhausted, so is everyone here. Nothing changes for us here because of political statements.”

A Ukrainian company commander deployed within Russia’s Kursk region also told CNN

The Russian Army must be prepared for any development of the situation in the medium term, including a possible military conflict with NATO in Europe in the next decade,

he wrote

While people understand Putin's influence is very high, the war has been going on for three years when they were promised it will take three weeks … When a new player enters here, Donald Trump, they probably expect it will make a difference."

Aleksei Miniailo, a Russian opposition politician and the founder of Chronicles, said

Donald Trumppresident

I think the Russians want to see the war end, I really do. I think they have the cards a little bit because they've taken a lot of territory."

U.S. President Donald Trump said on February 20

After everything that they have suffered, after everything that they have fought for, there could be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine, and the people of Ukraine must have a long-term secure future.”

Starmer told the Scottish Labour Party conference in Glasgow on Sunday

There is a clear parallel between the procession of leaders heading to Trump’s court in Washington to try to cajole him and the period at the end of 2021, beginning of 2022 when the same process was happening to try to convince Putin to not invade Ukraine,

Giles said

We are living a defining moment for Ukraine and European security,

he wrote on social media

European countries are hamstrung by their inability to exert military power, the only currency that holds any sway in deterring Russia and the US,

Giles said

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. … Europe must have a seat at the table when decisions about Europe are being made,

Zelenskyy said on February 15 at the Munich Security Conference

Europe was in Kyiv 'because Ukraine is in Europe, ... In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake

von der Leyen wrote on X, adding

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

Ukraine is ready to exchange all for all, and this is a fair way to start

Zelensky

But if ... if it comes to Europe or Ukraine, then Ukraine and Europe also have to agree to this deal,

Ms Kallas told reporters in Brussels, where she is chairing a meeting of EU foreign ministers

Hakan Fidanturkish Foreign Minister

We will stop hostilities only when these negotiations produce a firm and sustainable result that suits the Russian Federation

Lavrov said in a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan

Three years on from Putin's barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we face a once in a generation moment for our collective security and values, ... We continue to stand with Ukraine for a just and lasting peace.

he wrote on X

If you look at the messages that come from the United States, then it's clear that the Russian narrative is there very strongly represented.

Asked whether the US administration is acting in the interests of Russia or Ukraine's Western backers, she said