Trump says the world will be a lot safer in 2–3 weeks

US President Donald Trump, commenting on the peace process in Ukraine, has hinted that the world would be safer "in 2–3 weeks", apparently expressing his belief that he could reach an agreement with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"But I will tell you that the world is a much safer place right now. And I think in two or three weeks we can have a much safer place," Trump said during a visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Trump once again repeated his earlier belief that Russian leader Vladimir Putin would not have come to Turkey for talks if the US president had not also arrived there. 

"I understand that," Trump said.

However, he added that "we will get it done" and expressed hope that he would be able to meet with the Russian leader "as soon as we can set it up."

On 15 May, Trump said that a peaceful settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine cannot take place without his meeting with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported this view, expressing scepticism about the outcome of the Russo-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul on 16 May.