Trump on Russia-Ukraine talks: 'Nobody’s playing me'
Share and Follow


President Trump on Friday was adamant he was not being “played” in talks to end the war in Ukraine and sounded a confident note he would be able to close the deal after Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the clock was ticking on negotiations.

“We’re going to get it stopped, ideally. Now, if for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say ‘you’re foolish, you’re fools, you’re horrible people and we’re just going to take a pass.’ But hopefully we won’t have to do that,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

“I think we have a good chance of solving the problem, however,” Trump added.

Asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin was stalling, as many skeptics have argued, Trump said he hoped not. Trump also brushed back a question about whether he was being played by Russia.

“No, nobody’s playing me. I’m trying to help,” Trump said.

“Nobody’s playing anybody. We are going to see if we can get it done,” he added. “I think we have a really good chance of getting it done. And it’s coming to a head right now.”

Trump would not say whether he would continue to provide support to Ukraine if ceasefire talks failed.

“I’m not going to say that, because I think we’re going to get it done,” Trump said.

Rubio said earlier Friday after talks in Paris that the U.S. was reaching a point where it had to decide whether a resolution was possible.

“Because if it’s not, then I think we’re just going to move on,” Rubio said.

Trump has for months been pressing for a ceasefire in Ukraine, where fighting has been underway since Russian forces invaded in February 2022 after amassing troops near the border. He said on the campaign trail he would be able to end the war before even taking office.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he accepted the terms of a 30-day ceasefire laid out by Trump administration officials, putting the ball in Russia’s court. 

Critics have argued Russia is dragging its feet and is not interested in a ceasefire as it makes gains on the battlefield.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Who are the Texas flood victims?

Identifying the Individuals Affected by Flooding in Texas

At least 82 people were killed and dozens are missing after devastating flash…
Whitney Purvis arrested: '16 and Pregnant' star charged with involuntary manslaughter

Whitney Purvis, from the show ’16 and Pregnant’, has been taken into custody for involuntary manslaughter.

The former reality TV star’s arrest is linked to a man’s fatal…
Tourist who missed Norwegian cruise ship discovered dead on mountain trail in Alaska

Tourist who missed Norwegian cruise ship discovered dead on mountain trail in Alaska

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A tourist who went…
What did Trump know about Israel's strike on Iran before it happened?

Trump and Netanyahu to discuss ceasefire in Gaza at the White House

() President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…
Quick-moving Texas river flood caught on camera in timelapse video

Quick-moving Texas river flood caught on camera in timelapse video

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The short time it…
Harrowing photos show what's left of volunteer fire chief's vehicle after he was swept away in Texas floods

Harrowing photos show what’s left of volunteer fire chief’s vehicle after he was swept away in Texas floods

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A desperate search was…
Mike Brown brings 'championship pedigree' to Knicks as head coach's hire made official

“Knicks officially hire Mike Brown, bringing championship experience as head coach”

Mike Brown is officially in the fold, and not a minute too…
Trump sets 25% tariffs on Japanese, South Korean goods

Trump imposes 25% tariffs on products imported from Japan and South Korea

Trump provided notice of the tariffs to begin on Aug. 1 by…