Trump signals urgency in ending Ukraine war, vows direct talks with Putin

Newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, stating that negotiations are already underway. 

"Securing peace remains a top priority," Trump told journalists in the Oval Office after his inauguration on Jan.  20.

Referring to his campaign pledge to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, Trump noted that he still had half a day left to fulfill this promise.

He confirmed his intentions to meet with Putin once diplomatic groundwork has been laid.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose nomination has been approved by the U.S. Senate, said he could not provide a specific timeline for ending the war but emphasized that both sides will have to make concessions to achieve peace.

Reports have also surfaced indicating that Trump’s team is preparing for negotiations and a potential meeting with Putin to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Kremlin, for its part, has declared readiness for talks with no preconditions.