Donald Trump claims Vladimir Putin is ready for a deal to end the war in Ukraine

On July 15, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine. This claim comes despite evidence suggesting Russia may be planning to escalate military hostilities. Trump had previously pledged to resolve the conflict upon taking office for his second term in January 2025. Conversely, three sources close to the Kremlin informed Reuters that Vladimir Putin currently rejects calls for peace negotiations with Kyiv. These Kremlin-affiliated sources indicated that Russia is likely to intensify its military efforts in the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its fifth year. The reports highlight a significant divergence between Trump's optimistic assessment and the internal stance attributed to the Russian leadership.