Trump calls Zelenskyy meeting ‘cordial’; urges Putin, Zelenskyy to make a ‘deal’
President Donald Trump hosted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday afternoon, in hopes of inching Ukraine and Russia closer to peace.
Trump told the media Friday evening that the two had a “very good meeting, a very cordial meeting.”
However, the president said that he has told both Eastern European leaders to stop the war and “go by the battle line wherever it is or else it gets too complicated.”
“The meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine was very interesting, and cordial, but I told him, as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin, that it is time to stop the killing, and make a DEAL! Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts,” the president posted to Truth Social Friday evening. “They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
The president pleaded with the leaders to stop shooting, “no more Death, no more vas and unsustainable sums of money spent.”
The meeting comes a day after Trump had a “lengthy” and “productive” conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two agreed to meet in Hungary.
One of the topics of interest during the bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy is Ukraine’s desire to purchase U.S. Tomahawk missiles.
During a news conference between the two leaders, they both emphasized their desire to reach a peace agreement. However, Zelenskyy underscored the need for more weapons, including the Tomahawks.
Zelenskyy suggested a trade between Ukrainian drones for U.S. Tomahawk missiles, which the president suggested he would be open to the exchange. However, the president appears to be reluctant to sell Tomahawks, potentially leaving the U.S. short in case they are needed.
The president indicated that the threat of Tomahawks may be bringing Putin to the table; however, he noted that the Russian president wants to end the war, acknowledging that “bad things can happen” with the missiles.
Overall, the president appears confident that he can solve the war. “I am the mediator president,” Trump told the media.
Trump addressed concerns that Putin is trying to buy more time in wanting to meet, which he acknowledged.
The president said he is eager to strike a peace deal between the two countries, noting that he thought the war would be easier to solve, adding that there is a lot of bad blood between the two leaders.
Latest News Stories
WATCH: Pritzker continues encouraging ICE protests after Guard blocked
Illinois quick hits: Ag incentives announced; Cook County announces increased budget
Former board member expressed concerns about indicted DeKalb superintendent
Fiscal Fallout: Illinois has among highest-paid state employees
Report: State reliance on federal funds up significantly since 1990s
Southwest low on list of safest states; Northeast at the top
Trump administration begins axing positions of furloughed federal workers
Washington state attorney general agrees to protect seal of confession
Senator urges Rubio to move forward designating Antifa a foreign terror organization
Pacific Northwest journalists sound off on Antifa at President Trump’s roundtable
Nvidia will pay 100k visa fees, others unsure
‘Shameful:’ GOP leaders frustrated with Dems on tenth day of shutdown