“He thinks he can achieve his goals through fighting. I think he feels quite confident,” said Bondarev, who worked for Russia’s permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva, adding that the Russian leader is likely calculating that “Trump is much more concerned about a peace deal than about Ukraine.”
Trump said many of these details for the final agreement “have already been discussed,” but he threw the onus on Russia to make the deal.
“Now we’re going to see if Russia is there and, if not, it will be a very disappointing moment for the world,” he said.
When asked if he had leverage on Putin and if he would consider sanctioning Russia, Trump said he has leverage but that because they’re talking with Putin, he’s focused on making a deal.
“I hope Russia is going to make the deal, too,” Trump added, “I don’t think they’re going back to shooting again.”
In the wide-ranging remarks to the press Thursday, Trump stressed Putin would not invade other European countries, adding the U.S. will make sure of it. “I don’t see that happening, and we will make sure it doesn’t happen,” Trump said.
Ali Bianco contributed reporting from Washington, D.C. This story has been updated.