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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and pursue a peace agreement. Speaking during a campaign event, Trump urged Putin to "stop shooting" and emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to the war that has ravaged Ukraine for more than two years.
Trump, who has consistently criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the Russia Ukraine conflict, suggested that the war could have been avoided if stronger leadership had been demonstrated from the start. He reiterated his belief that if he were still president, the war would not have broken out in the first place.
“I would tell Putin right now stop shooting, sit down, and make a deal,” Trump declared to a cheering crowd. He added that the ongoing violence has caused unnecessary suffering and that world leaders must prioritize dialogue over destruction.
Trump’s comments come amid growing international concern about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and critical infrastructure across the country has been destroyed since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The former president did not elaborate on what kind of deal he would propose but insisted that diplomacy should take precedence over continued fighting. He also criticized what he described as “blank check” policies towards Ukraine, suggesting that unlimited financial and military support was not a sustainable solution.
While Trump’s stance has attracted support from some of his base who advocate for reduced U.S. involvement overseas, it has also drawn criticism from opponents who accuse him of being too lenient toward Putin. They argue that Trump’s rhetoric could undermine efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
In response to Trump’s statement, the White House reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine “for as long as it takes” and emphasized that any negotiations must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s leadership has maintained that any peace deal must involve the full withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied territories, a condition that Russia has so far rejected.
As Trump continues his bid for a return to the White House in 2024, his approach to foreign policy particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine is expected to remain a major talking point on the campaign trail.
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