Sipu Jha
US President Donald Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, a day before he meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, news agency AFP reported.Trump has recently taken a tougher stance toward Moscow, showing growing frustration with Putin, while expressing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia following the 2022 invasion.President Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday.Ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza was a key part of Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign, during which he repeatedly criticised former US President Joe Biden for his handling of both conflicts. However, like Biden, Trump has faced difficulties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as his efforts to persuade Putin to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have so far failed. The war is now close to entering its fourth year.After helping broker the Gaza ceasefire, Trump has expressed renewed confidence that he can make progress toward ending the Ukraine war. He has also indicated that he is prepared to increase pressure on Putin if he does not agree to negotiations soon.“Interestingly we made progress today, because of what’s happened in the Middle East,” Trump said on Wednesday evening while addressing supporters at a dinner for his White House ballroom project.Earlier this week, during a speech to the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, Trump said the Gaza truce could help the United States assist Israel and other Middle Eastern nations in normalising relations. He also stated that his top foreign policy goal is to end the ongoing war in Europe.“First we have to get Russia done,” Trump said, addressing his special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been serving as his administration’s main contact with Putin. “We gotta get that one done. If you don’t mind, Steve, let’s focus on Russia first. All right?”
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