Tusk Declines to Confirm Trump’s Private Briefing on Putin’s Refusal to End Ukraine War

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declined to confirm a report that U.S. President Donald Trump privately told European leaders that Vladimir Putin has no intention of ending the war in Ukraine.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump made the remarks during a call on Monday with key European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. 

During a visit to the coastal town of Gdańsk, Tusk was asked by TVP World whether Trump had made the comments during a recent call with European leaders.  

“I do not confirm such a statement,” Tusk said, “but I can confirm that the situation is difficult because, on the Russian side, there is no trace of goodwill.” 

Tusk added that Moscow has shown no interest in honest negotiations and warned that peace efforts remain stalled.  

“There has been no commitment to honest peace negotiations,” he said. “For peace talks to begin, a ceasefire without preconditions has to take place.” 

Tusk also accused Russia of using delay tactics to avoid real diplomatic engagement. “The Russians have resorted to their classic tactics of dragging things out and sowing deliberate confusion,” Tusk added. 

WSJ report 

According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump expressed frustration with Putin’s stance but stopped short of endorsing new sanctions on Russia, despite having floated the idea the day before if Moscow rejected a ceasefire. 

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