US President Donald Trump on Tuesday denied entering into any understanding with Russian President Vladimir Putin that would hand the Donbas region over to Moscow.
Speaking to reporters before departing for China, Trump was asked whether he had reached an understanding with Putin that Donbas should fully become part of Russia.
“No,” Trump replied.
President Trump did not provide details on possible terms of a settlement or say what territorial issues were under discussion.
Despite denying any territorial pact, Trump again said he believes Russia’s war against Ukraine is nearing an end.
“The end of the war in Ukraine I really think it’s getting very close,” Trump told reporters, saying he believes Moscow and Kyiv are moving toward a settlement.
His comments echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent claim that the war is nearing its end.
The status of Donbas remains one of the main obstacles to any negotiated ceasefire. Russia has repeatedly demanded that Ukraine withdraw from the parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, while Kyiv has rejected territorial concessions and says any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.