President-elect Donald Trump has publicly stated that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is in the works, expressing a desire to put an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During a recent gathering with Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump confirmed that “He wants to meet, and we are setting it up,” highlighting the urgency of resolving the war which he described as a “bloody mess” (SCMP).

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russia welcomes Trump's willingness to engage in dialogue, indicating that discussions between the two leaders could commence once Trump takes office on January 20 (Reuters). Trump has suggested that he could resolve the Russia-Ukraine war swiftly, potentially within months, contrasting the current administration's heavy military aid to Ukraine.

“We have to get that war over with. That’s a bloody mess. Soldiers are being killed by the millions,” Trump stated, echoing sentiments shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the grave toll of the conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives since its inception in February 2022. Peskov emphasized that any formal meeting details are yet to be finalized, although they expect some movement on this front after Trump assumes office (USA Today).

While Trump's rhetoric suggests a desire for swift negotiations, concerns persist in Kyiv regarding the implications of a hurried peace deal that could favor Russia's territorial claims in Ukraine. Some advisors have floated controversial proposals that might require Ukraine to concede significant territories to end the conflict (Salon).

Tensions remain high as both nations anticipate developments in the coming weeks, especially regarding the future of U.S. support for Ukraine under the incoming administration.

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