Media: Trump "optimistic" about peace in Ukraine after success in Middle East
US President Donald Trump is "optimistic" about the possibility of achieving peace in Ukraine following the successful signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages.
Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday 17 October.
Politico noted that this meeting is part of a week-long campaign coordinated by the Ukrainian side and aimed at shifting the Trump administration's focus from the Middle East to Russia.
Trump has often complained that the war between Russia and Ukraine has proved far more difficult to resolve than he initially expected.
However, that view may be changing as the US administration is filled with renewed confidence following its success in the Middle East.
"President Trump has long expressed his desire to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, just like he freed the hostages and ended the war between Israel and Hamas," a White House official said on condition of anonymity.
The source added that Russia should be motivated to come to the negotiating table given its military and economic situation.
"If they [the Russians – ed.] were smart, they would more urgently pursue a deal to end the war which has done significant damage to Russia's reputation, stop the killing, and get their country back on the right track. President Putin has repeatedly rejected generous proposals toward peace that would have benefited Russia. [N.B. European Pravda doesn't recognise Putin as president – ed.]
The source said that Trump "remains optimistic that he will be able to get both sides to stop the senseless killing," the official said.
Politico also notes that Steve Witkoff, Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East, has told his foreign counterparts that the president's three major foreign policy goals for his second term are ending the conflict in Gaza, ending the war between Russia and Ukraine and reaching a new nuclear deal with Iran.
According to Politico's source, Trump's team acknowledged that "Gaza was going to be the simplest of the three".
"But they're not giving up on the others. If anything, there's a sense that success will lead to more success," the White House official added.
Zelenskyy earlier said he is "preparing in detail" for his meeting with Trump on 17 October and is discussing the agenda with relevant government bodies.
Media reports indicate that the possible provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine will be one of the key issues at the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting.