Trump says oil prices pushing Putin toward Ukraine peace

Donald Trump said both Russia and Ukraine are ready to end the war, claiming low oil prices are pushing Moscow toward peace and noting a recent ceasefire proposal by Vladimir Putin.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that both Kyiv and Moscow now want to settle the war in Ukraine. He linked Russia’s shifting position to falling oil prices, saying, “We are in a good position to settle.”

Oil, the backbone of Russia’s economy, has dropped by around $15 a barrel since January. Sources say OPEC+ is planning to speed up output increases, further pressuring prices.

Trump said progress had been made and a deal was possible. “It could be something will happen, but hopefully it will.”

He pointed to President Putin’s three-day ceasefire proposal for May 8–10, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War Two victory. “It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a lot if you knew where we started from,” Trump said, calling the conflict “a war that should never have happened.”

Trump also claimed the death toll was far higher than reported, calling the war a “bloodbath” and repeating his desire to end what he described as a U.S.-Russia proxy conflict.

Asked about a potential meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia, Trump confirmed plans to visit in May. The Kremlin said such a meeting is necessary but noted Putin has no travel plans to the Middle East for that period.

When questioned about the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage in 2022, Trump cast doubt on Russia’s involvement. “They said Russia blew it up — yeah,” he remarked, hinting at scepticism. “I think a lot of people know who blew it up.”

While U.S. media reports have suggested Ukrainian involvement — something Kyiv strongly denies — Russia has blamed Western powers, including the U.S. and U.K., but has not provided evidence.

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