Graham stressed that Putin is convinced the United States will eventually "drift apart" from its allies.
He noted that he had a “very good” meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng to discuss a number of pressing global issues.
“It obviously included trade, but also the war between Russia and Ukraine,” Graham wrote.
“The ambassador reminded me that the Chinese position early on was peace through dialogue and I told him I agree with that concept. I am hoping we can have real dialogue, which has been elusive when it comes to Putin. The combination of a ceasefire with sincere negotiations can lead to an honorable and just peace.”
Graham also mentioned that President Trump is right about the need to “stop the bloodshed.”
On May 21, The New York Times reported, citing sources, that Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders that Russia and Ukraine must find their own solution.
Earlier, on May 20, Axios reported that following Trump’s call with Putin, he held a teleconference with European leaders. According to sources, the information he shared was met with “confused silence,” as those present expected to hear that Putin agreed to a ceasefire or that the US will impose sanctions in response to his refusal.
Instead, Trump announced that the Russian dictator agreed to talks and stressed that the US will not participate in them.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in turn, stated that if Russia continues to insist on unrealistic conditions in the negotiations, it must face serious consequences.