Trump: No need to capture Putin, Ukraine peace possible

U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out ordering a mission to capture Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is confident the war in Ukraine can be brought to an end.

Speaking to reporters on Friday during a White House meeting with oil executives, Trump said he had “always had a great relationship” with Putin but was disappointed the conflict had proven harder to resolve than expected.

Asked whether he would ever authorise a mission to capture the Russian leader, Trump replied: “I don’t think it’s going to be necessary.”

He cited heavy battlefield losses and said Russia’s economy was “doing poorly”, adding: “I think we’re going to end up getting it settled.”

Trump also played down Europe’s influence on Moscow, saying Putin was “not afraid of Europe” but was deterred by U.S. power under his leadership.

His comments came as U.S. and Ukrainian envoys, along with a group of allied countries, met in Paris this week to try to resolve remaining disagreements over a peace framework Washington hopes to finalise with Kyiv before presenting it to Moscow.

• Paris talks deliver U.S. backing for Ukraine, European concerns remain

Under Trump’s administration, U.S. policy has shifted from unequivocal support for Ukraine towards a broker-style approach aimed at pressuring both sides into a negotiated settlement.

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