Trump pressures Russia for peace, hints at major concessions
"You have no idea what pressure I'm putting on Russia... Or who would be talking," said U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere. Trump claimed that Russia had made a significant concession by refraining from pursuing its initial intention to take control of the entire country.
You have no idea what pressure I'm putting ... We're putting a lot of pressure. We're putting a lot of pressure on Russia, and Russia knows that," said Trump, pointing to the Norwegian Prime Minister during their meeting in the Oval Office.
Trump on "big concession"
However, the U.S. President did not want to answer questions about whether he plans to impose additional sanctions on Russia if it does not soon agree to end the war, although he mentioned that he "would not be happy" and that "things will start to happen."
Asked about what concessions Russia has made, Trump replied that they include holding back the invasion and relinquishing plans to take over "the entire country."
Earlier, Trump expressed his belief that Vladimir Putin will respond to his appeal to end attacks on Ukraine. During the meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, he expressed the belief that there are still "very good chances" to end the war.
Trump to Putin: "Vladimir, stop!"
On Thursday morning, Trump addressed the Russian missile attack on Kyiv, which killed at least 12 people and injured more than 90.
"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!" wrote Trump.
The Russian "special military operation" against Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, was supposed to last only a few days, according to Kremlin plans. The goal was to quickly capture Kyiv, overthrow the government of Volodymyr Zelensky, and establish pro-Russian authorities.
The Ukrainian army offered strong resistance, and Russian forces encountered serious logistical and strategic problems. Instead of a quick victory, the conflict turned into a prolonged war, which has been ongoing for over three years. Russia had to withdraw from many areas, including the surroundings of Kyiv, and focus efforts on eastern Ukraine.
