Trump believes that Putin wants peace and is ready to end hostilities

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace and is ready to stop the fighting, according to U.S. President Donald Trump.

He made the statement in an interview with ABC News.

“Because of me, I truly believe he is ready to end the fighting,” Trump said.

When asked whether he thinks Putin wants peace, the U.S. President responded: “I think so.”

“In fact, his dream was to take over the whole country. I think, because of me, he’s not going to do that,” Trump added.

He also said that Russia could have taken over all of Ukraine if “the losers” had stayed in power in the United States.

The interviewer reminded Trump that he had recently criticized Russia for shelling Ukraine and asked whether he trusts Putin.

“I don’t trust you,” Trump replied. “I don’t trust many people. I don’t trust you. Just look at yourself… But here’s what I think: I think he [Putin], let’s say, respects me. And I believe that because of me, he’s not going to take over the whole country.”

The U.S. President added that he “did not like” Russia’s recent missile strikes.

“That was something I didn’t like seeing, and I thought it was inappropriate. But I think this entire war is inappropriate,” Trump said.

He also declined to answer whether the U.S. would stop military aid to Ukraine if a peace deal couldn’t be reached.

“I don’t want to tell you that. I won’t say whether I will or not. I want to keep that as a big, fat secret — because I don’t want to spoil the negotiations,” Trump said.

“I’d be worried if I were Ukraine,” the journalist responded.