The end of the war in Ukraine "getting closer"? Donald Trump on the agreement

A few days ago I was talking to Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine, which, I think, is getting closer. By the way, perhaps we are now closer to an agreement than ever before - said Trump, answering the journalist's question. The President has repeatedly declared in the past that ending the war is near. The US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff met with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia in the last two days. He assessed that the talks were constructive and announced further negotiations at a lower level. However, he admitted that much work still needs to be done. Trump on Witkoff's words: one can say that In Wednesday's post on X, Witkoff also reminded that he thanked Putin for releasing the American Stephen Hubbard, who had been held for four years. His statement in St. Petersburg, in which he praised Putin as a "humanitarian" and thanked him for selling diesel, triggered a wave of criticism, including from Republican politicians. When asked about Witkoff's words, Trump replied: - Well, I think one can say that in this specific case - in the context of releasing a man who thought he would spend the rest of his life in prison. But I do not want to speak on that topic either way. - We are negotiating with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. We are also quite satisfied that Russia did not get involved in the conflict with Iran - emphasized Trump. Trump on the release of the American in Russia He reminded that he asked Putin to release the imprisoned American during a recent phone call. - Putin agreed to do so. Today Hubbard was taken out of Russia and is on his way back. He is on the plane. Steve Witkoff accompanies him. His family is with him. Relatives went there to meet him. We thank everyone involved in this matter - continued the US leader. Trump informed that the US did not give Russia anything in return, which, he assessed, "is very rare". However, he suggested that if he took certain actions that some people were urging him to take, Hubbard would not be free. He possibly meant the sanctions against Russia provided in the law of Lindsey Graham. On Friday, Trump announced that he is waiving the imposition of these new restrictions. - Stephen will be there soon. I heard he is in quite good condition. Many have passed. I spoke with him this morning. He is the happiest man in the world. He did not think it would happen. It was a huge surprise for him - added Trump. Hubbard, a retired teacher from the state of Michigan, was arrested by Russians in April 2022 in Izium, Ukraine. In October 2024, he was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for participating in the fighting on the side of Ukraine.