Trump Says Putin Wants Peace in Ukraine, but Direct Negotiations are Key

Washington, D.C. - In a significant development in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, CNN's Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins interviewed former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on May 9th, 2025. The interview focused on Trump's recent two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Collins directly questioned Trump about the necessity of a personal meeting with Putin to achieve peace in Ukraine. Trump responded positively, suggesting that Putin desires an end to the conflict. "I do believe he wants to end it," Trump stated. However, he also emphasized that any lasting peace agreement would need to be a direct negotiation between Russia and Ukraine. Trump's comments come just days after he publicly stated that a personal meeting with Putin was a prerequisite for any meaningful progress. The interview highlights the ongoing complexities of the situation and the diverse perspectives within the United States on how to address the conflict.