US president says he could speak to his Russian counterpart 'very soon'
US President Donald Trump said Monday that he will meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
"I'll be meeting with President Putin," he told reporters while signing executive orders after returning to the Oval Office.
Trump was sworn in for a second term, heralding a major shift in the US government that is widely expected to send shockwaves through American society and the world.
Asked when the meeting will take place, he said: "I don't know," but added that he could speak to Putin "very soon."
"I have to speak to President Putin, we're gonna have to find out. He can't be thrilled. He's not doing so well. I mean, he's grinding it out," Trump said, reiterating his wish to end the Ukraine war as soon as possible.
Asked whether he will also speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he said: "He told me he wants to make a deal. Zelenskyy wants to make a deal. I don't know if Putin does. He might not."
Trump said a deal should be made.
"I think he's destroying Russia by not making a deal. I think Russia's gonna be in big trouble. You take a look at their economy. You take a look at the inflation...I would hope he wants to make a deal," he added.
