US President Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that Russia is attempting to manipulate his efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump emphasized that no one is attempting to deceive him, asserting that his sole goal is to help bring the conflict to a close.
“My entire life has been about negotiation, and I know when people are trying to play us, and when they’re not,” Trump stated. “I need to see a genuine desire to end this, and I believe I see that enthusiasm from both sides.”
He continued, “No one is playing me. I’m trying to help. We have a real opportunity to get this peace deal done, and it’s coming to a head right now.”
This statement follows comments made by US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, who expressed confidence that the Trump administration remains optimistic about ultimately negotiating an end to the war.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Trump would step away from peace negotiations if clear signs of an achievable deal do not materialize in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has agreed to a full temporary ceasefire and has accused Russia of deliberately stalling the peace process to strengthen its bargaining position.