President Trump shared his view on the Russia-Ukraine war during an appearance on 60 Minutes, claiming that the personal animosity between the two leaders is the main hurdle to peace. The conflict is currently approaching its fifth year, and the president insists that he is nearing a deal to settle the fighting. He told the interviewer that he believes the war will end soon, and he claims he is the only reason for that potential outcome.
As reported by The Hill, Ross Douthat questioned the president about his campaign promise to end the war, specifically asking what he views as the biggest obstacle to peace. Trump pointed directly to the relationship between the two foreign leaders.
He said, “It was the hatred between Zelensky and Putin. If I had been president that war would have never started. Zero chance. But it did start. So I inherited that war. I believe we are very close to making a deal.” When asked if he trusted one side more than the other, he declined to choose and stated he gets along with both men.
He says there was disrespect shown to Russia
Douthat pointed out that it makes sense for President Zelensky to have strong feelings about the situation, given that it was Russia that launched the invasion. Trump responded by shifting the focus to how the two leaders interact.
He said, “Well, it is. But when they had their first meeting there was great disrespect shown to Russia. So I am not going to say anything.” He also noted that the conflict never occurred during his first four years in office, even though he described the invasion as the apple of President Putin’s eye.
The president has spent recent months linking the ongoing war to higher fuel prices, which caused political headaches for the GOP during the midterm cycle. Some observers suggest these rising costs played a role in the blue wave that occurred recently.
In an attempt to calm the global oil and gas markets, which have also faced pressure from the war in Iran, the president announced a diesel deal with Russia. This move triggered significant backlash from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina described the agreement as being beyond irresponsible.
The reaction from Ukraine was sharp. In a conversation with Kristen Welker of NBC News, President Zelensky expressed his deep frustration with the current direction of American policy. He said, “If United States will support Putin, I mean, it is unbelievable, it is tragedy, it is historic mistake and big tragedy.”
Published: Nov 9, 2026 12:15 pm