Trump on Zelensky’s open letter to Putin: “It would be great if they met”

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s open letter to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, expressing hope for a personal meeting between the two leaders.

The Kremlin is already aware of the letter, though Putin has not yet read it.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists that the Kremlin is already aware of Zelensky’s open letter. According to Peskov, Putin has not yet read it, but will be “briefed” on the letter.

Trump, for his part, reacted to the Ukrainian president’s letter while at the White House.

“I think it would be great if they met,” the U.S. president said.

Trump also stated that he is counting on mutual concessions from Ukraine and Russia to settle the conflict.

“I suggested these concessions, and, you know, we’ve put a lot of effort into this… I want each side to make certain concessions, and I think they will,” Trump told journalists.

In addition, the American president stated that without his help, Ukraine would have already been defeated in the war.

“Ukraine would not have lasted one or two days without the equipment I provided them,” Trump noted.

Putin, on the same day, once again made clear that the withdrawal of Ukraine’s Armed Forces from Donbas is a condition for achieving peace. He also spoke about what he would say to Zelensky if they were to meet to sign a peace agreement.