US President Donald Trump has dismissed suggestions that Russia might be manipulating his efforts to broker a deal to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump insisted that no one is playing him, adding that he is merely trying to help bring the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to a close.
“I have to say, my whole life has been one big negotiation, and I know when people are playing us, and I know when they’re not,” Trump said.
“I have to see an enthusiasm to want to end it. And I think I see that enthusiasm. I think I see it from both sides.
“No, nobody’s playing me. I’m trying to help. I think we have a really good chance of getting it [peace deal] done, and it’s coming to a head right now.”
This comes just a few hours after US Vice President JD Vance on Friday stated that the Trump administration remains optimistic it will ultimately succeed in negotiating an end to the Russia–Ukraine war.
In a related development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier today said that Trump would walk away from efforts to broker a Russia–Ukraine peace agreement within days unless there are clear indications that a deal is achievable.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has already agreed to a full temporary ceasefire and has accused Russia of deliberately stalling on a deal in order to gain a stronger negotiating position.
