Trump says ‘reasonably close’ to a deal to end war between Russia, Ukraine

Both leaders had backed away from an agreement before, but a deal was now "reasonably close," Trump said, referring to Zelensky and Putin.

Updated on: Jan 21, 2026, 21:41:13 IST

By HT News Desk

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he is "reasonably close" to a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

FILE PHOTO: US President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House, on the one-year mark into his second term in office, in Washington. (REUTERS)

Trump, who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum, said he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Switzerland, adding that he felt Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin were now at a point where they could reach a deal to end the war.

"I believe they're at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done. And if they don't, they're stupid," he said, referring to the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

Also Read: ‘They called me daddy’: Donald Trump's dig at NATO has an 'Iceland' gaffe

Trump made his remarks during a question and answer session with a moderator at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Reuters reported.

He said he was dealing with Putin, who he claimed wanted to make a deal to end the Ukraine war and added that he thought the Ukrainian leader was also ready to reach an agreement.

Both leaders had backed away from an agreement before, but a deal was now "reasonably close," Trump said. The remark comes as Ukraine will mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion on February 24, 2022.

During his Davos address, Trump also reiterated his claim to have mediated “eight wars”, including India and Pakistan, a statement rejected by Delhi on several ocassions.

Also Read: ‘Settled 8 wars, including India-Pakistan’: Donald Trump at Davos

On Wednesday, Trump said Washington was getting closer to brokering a ceasefire agreement.

“I think I can say that we're reasonably close. We have to get it stopped ... I believe they're at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done. And if they don't, they're stupid,” he said.

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