Official press releases or news reports confirming the meeting

Trump Claims 'Some Progress' in Ending Russia-Ukraine War, Plans Talks with Putin and Zelensky

Dec 16, 2024, 05:25 PM

US President-elect Donald Trump announced that his team is working to permanently end the Russia-Ukraine war, rather than merely pausing it. Trump's pick for national security advisor, Mike Waltz, told CBS News on Dec. 15 that the team is discussing how to end the conflict permanently. Trump stated that he has made 'some progress' in stopping the war, describing the situation as 'horrific' and 'carnage' that 'has got to stop'. He emphasized that the number of soldiers killed on both sides is 'astronomical' and 'far worse than reported in the media', and that he receives reports on casualties 'every week'. Trump plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to facilitate a resolution, noting that 'Zelensky should be prepared to make a deal'. He also acknowledged that the Russia-Ukraine situation will be 'more difficult than the Middle East'.