U.S. President Donald Trump said he would not negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, stressing that Kyiv must decide whether to pursue any territorial swaps with Moscow.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Alaska, Trump said his aim was to bring the two sides to the negotiating table. “They'll be discussed, but I've got to let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they'll make a proper decision. But I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I'm here to get them at a table,” he said.

His comments come as Kyiv warns against any agreement that could lock in Russian territorial gains. Trump said he believed the recent Russian offensive was meant to strengthen Putin’s position in any future talks.

“I think they're trying to negotiate. He's trying to set a stage. It actually hurts him, but in his mind that helps him make a better deal if they can continue the killing,” Trump said.

The U.S. president expressed optimism about the outcome of the summit, citing personal rapport and shared experience in negotiations. “He's a smart guy, been doing it for a long time but so have I ... we get along, there's a good respect level on both sides, and I think, you know, something's going to come of it,” he said.

Trump also noted that Putin would be accompanied by Russian business executives, calling it a positive sign. “I like that 'cause they want to do business, but they're not doing business until we get the war settled,” he said.

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