Trump: We Are Close to a Deal with Russia—If Zelensky Agrees! We've Destroyed Iran's Nuclear Capabilities

Trump, in an interview aired Friday night local time (Eastern U.S.) after his negotiations with Putin in Alaska, reiterated that he had a “very good” meeting with his Russian counterpart. He stated that they discussed numerous issues, including NATO, security measures, and territorial matters, and that a meeting between Zelensky and Putin is planned, with Trump likely to attend. He advised Zelensky to agree to a deal.

“The agreement depends on Ukraine (Zelensky), and he may not agree,” Trump said. “I think we are very close to a deal. Ukraine has to approve, although they might not. My advice to the Ukrainian president is to agree to reach an agreement. Now it really depends on President Zelensky to make this happen.”

Trilateral Meeting: Trump, Putin, and Zelensky

Trump also announced that a session between President Zelensky, President Putin, and himself is planned. “They both want me there, and I will be there,” he added.

Although a final agreement with Putin has not yet been reached, Trump said: “We discussed many points in this session, and one or two important issues remain to finalize the deal with Putin and Zelensky.”

He noted that negotiations involve NATO, security measures, and territorial issues, and that European countries should also participate in talks with Russia.

Trump continued that the negotiations with Putin aim to end the Ukraine war through territorial exchanges and U.S. security guarantees, and that they have “largely” agreed on the territorial exchange.

During the interview, he refrained from providing details on the final matters preventing an agreement, stating only that he wants “to see what we can do.” He added: “I want to make sure this happens. And we have a good chance to accomplish it.”

When asked whether peace could be achieved in a relatively short period, Trump replied: “Yes, relatively short.”

Trump Gives Himself a 10/10 on Talks

Trump rated his negotiations with Putin a 10 out of 10, explaining: “In terms of how well we got along, it was excellent. It’s good when two major powers come together, especially when they are nuclear powers. We (the U.S.) are number one, they are number two in the world. This is significant.”

He added: “You don’t even want to say the word ‘nuclear.’ But we have a huge nuclear force. During my first term, I rebuilt it. I hated having to rebuild it; it was the only thing I hated about it, but we had to. We have the largest nuclear force in the world. In fact, we have the largest military in the world. They also have a major nuclear presence. You have to respect it. Always respect it. Never use it. If used, it could end the world. That’s the power we’re talking about.”

Acknowledging the Ukraine War Is Not Easy

Trump admitted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is “not the easiest” to resolve, referring to his campaign promise to end the war within 24 hours: “I thought it would be the easiest, but it was the hardest.”

Trump Temporarily Holds Back on Threats to Russia

After stating that his meeting with Putin went “very well,” Trump said he would refrain from imposing further sanctions or “severe consequences” on Russia.

He explained: “Because of what happened today, I don’t think we need to think about it now. I may have to consider it two or three weeks from now, but right now it’s not necessary.”

Earlier, he had threatened to impose harsh sanctions on Russia to pressure Putin to stop the war in Ukraine, but after Putin agreed to a face-to-face meeting, Trump deferred that deadline. He also said that due to the developments in Alaska, he sees no need to increase tariffs on China.

Refusing to Disclose Negotiation Details

Trump reiterated that “many points” were agreed upon with Putin, but “one or two very important matters” remain. He stated: “I think we can reach an agreement. Until an agreement is reached, there is no deal. Ukraine (Zelensky) must approve it. If President Zelensky also has to agree, the problem will be solved.”

Regarding what brought Putin to the table, Trump said: “Putin is a smart man, and now he respects our country. During Biden’s term, he had no respect, I can tell you. He had no respect at all.”

Trump’s Claim About Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

In the interview, Trump referred to wars he claims to have ended, asserting: “I didn’t want to count the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities because I don’t necessarily see it as final. But we did an amazing job because in 22 years, no president was willing to do it. We destroyed their nuclear capabilities.”

Trump also thanked former Secretary of State and 2016 election rival Hillary Clinton, who had stated that if he achieves peace between Russia and Ukraine, she would nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.