Trump has said he discussed the Ukraine conflict with Putin as it approaches its third anniversary

President Donald Trump revealed in a Saturday interview that he has had discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“He wants to see people stop dying,” Trump stated to the New York Post.

The timing of their conversations remains unclear, including whether they have communicated since Trump assumed office in January and the frequency of those discussions. CNN has sought clarification from the National Security Council.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to CNN by saying he “can neither deny nor confirm this news.” He noted that Washington and Moscow communicate “through different channels” as the Trump administration becomes more active.

“So… there could be something I don’t know,” Peskov remarked.

In the interview, Trump refrained from disclosing the number of times he has spoken with Putin but emphasized that he has a “good relationship” with the Russian leader.

The US president expressed his desire for a swift resolution to Putin’s war in Ukraine, which is nearing its third year, stating, “I hope it’s fast. Every day people are dying. This war is so bad in Ukraine. I want to end this damn thing,” as he told the New York Post.

Trump stated earlier this week that negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict have shown significant advancement.

During an interview conducted while he was en route to Florida on Air Force One on Friday, the president instructed his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, to initiate these discussions.

“They are eager to meet. Every day, lives are being lost. Young, capable soldiers are dying. Young men, similar to my sons, on both sides. Across the battlefield,” he remarked.

On Friday, the president informed reporters that he would likely meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the coming week and suggested that he also intended to engage in discussions with Putin.

“I will likely be meeting with President Zelensky next week, and I will probably be in conversation with President Putin,” Trump noted.

Zelensky is anticipated to head Ukraine’s delegation at the Munich Security Conference, which will also see the attendance of Vice President JD Vance and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, although Trump will not be present.

Earlier this week, Trump expressed his desire to secure access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral resources in exchange for ongoing U.S. support to the nation.

Trump stated to reporters in the Oval Office, “We aim to establish a deal with Ukraine, where they will back what we provide them with their rare earth materials and other resources,” expressing dissatisfaction that Europe has not matched the level of support given to Ukraine by the United States.

This transactional approach sheds light on Trump’s perspective regarding the conflict in Ukraine. He has frequently voiced concerns about the financial burden the U.S. bears in supplying arms to Kyiv, yet he has not clarified his strategy for either ceasing or maintaining that support since assuming office.

Earlier this week, the Kremlin informed CNN that there have been no substantial discussions regarding a potential meeting between Trump and Putin.

Peskov remarked, “There has been no initial communication to determine the necessity of a meeting, nor discussions on the timing or format of such a meeting.”

As speculation grows about a possible interaction between the two leaders, a senior Russian legislator indicated to state media that “extensive” preparations are in progress for a meeting, which could occur as soon as this month.