Trump optimistic about possibility of peace deal on Ukraine — newspaper

Lead

US President Donald Trump is optimistic about the prospects for a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, according to The Wall Street Journal, as reported by TASS. The report, citing a White House source, indicates that Trump and his team are ready to play a constructive role in ending the conflict and engaging with both Russia and Ukraine.

Coverage comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported on two separate statements related to the Ukraine conflict. The first, dated July 28, cites The Wall Street Journal's reporting on Trump's optimism. The second, dated July 22, covers remarks by US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mike Waltz, who spoke at a hearing of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Both reports focus on the US administration's efforts to end the war, though they differ in tone. The July 28 report is neutral, highlighting Trump's readiness for a constructive role. The July 22 report carries a slightly negative tone, using the word 'frustrating' to describe the president's experience.

Key claims

According to The Wall Street Journal, as cited by TASS, Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would like to see an end to the conflict. The same source said the president and his team are ready to engage with both Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on July 24 that the US has apparently changed its approach to the understandings on Ukraine reached at the summit in Alaska, but that Russia will fulfill its goals in any case.

In a separate development, US envoy Mike Waltz told a congressional hearing that Trump is "doing everything he can" to end the war. He acknowledged that the parties have not yet "seen fit to enter into the final deal" and that the administration is applying pressure.

Waltz also effectively conceded that Trump underestimated the complexity of the task when he previously suggested he could resolve the conflict in as little as a day. "The president has found, despite incredible efforts from him and his team, it to be a very frustrating effort," the envoy said.