"What they're saying: "I think President Zelensky wants it done and I think President Putin wants it done. Now all they have to do is get along a little bit," Trump said. Trump surprised the Ukrainians by announcing, shortly after Zelensky arrived in Washington, that he would be holding a summit soon with Putin in Budapest. Zelensky reiterated at the top of the meeting that he is ready to meet Putin any time, anywhere,"
"The intrigue: There's been a months-long cycle of Trump declaring peace within reach after speaking with Putin, only to be disappointed. Trump acknowledged Friday that Putin might be "playing for time," but said he thinks he's serious about getting a deal. "I've been played all my life by the best of them and I came out really well," Trump said, referring to the idea Putin might be bluffing."
"Zelensky even said during the meeting that Ukraine is willing to effectively trade its drones for U.S.-made Tomahawks. Trump confirmed the U.S. is interested in Ukraine's drones, but said the U.S. needs Tomahawks for its own security and seemed to pour cold water on the idea of supplying them any time soon. However, he said having Tomahawks on the table could encourage Putin to talk. "They are very dangerous weapons. It could mean an escalation. Tomahawks are a big deal," he said."
Trump announced plans for a summit with Putin in Budapest after Zelensky's arrival in Washington, saying both Zelensky and Putin want a deal and suggesting separate meetings to bridge bad blood. Zelensky reiterated readiness to meet Putin anytime, though Putin has refused. Trump acknowledged Putin might be playing for time but said he believes Putin seeks a deal and noted past experience of being played. Zelensky suggested U.S. missiles that can strike deep into Russia could force negotiations and offered drones in exchange for Tomahawks. Trump expressed interest in the drones but hesitated to supply Tomahawks, calling them dangerous and escalatory, and said peace could be achieved soon.
Read at Axios
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]